Social-Ecological Resources as Mediators of Two-Year Diet and Physical Activity Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Manuel Barrera, Lisa A. Strycker, David Mackinnon, Deborah J. Toobert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: In behavioral research directed at the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the challenge is to understand how interventions might facilitate long-term lifestyle changes. The Mediterranean Lifestyle Program (MLP) is an intervention for postmenopausal women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that has shown promising effects on outcomes that include increased physical activity and reduced fat consumption. The present study extended previous findings by evaluating diet-specific and activity-specific social-ecological resources as possible mediators of intervention effects over a 2-year period. Main Outcome Measures: Percent calories from saturated fat and caloric expenditure per week in all physical activities were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Results: The MLP was successful in increasing participants' use of diet-specific and activity-specific family/friend and neighborhood resources. There was some evidence that changes in those resources mediated intervention effects on saturated fat consumption and physical activity outcomes. Conclusion: The experimental manipulation of mediators and the demonstrated mediational effects provided some support for the conclusion that social-ecological resources can contribute to improvements in healthful lifestyles for women with type 2 diabetes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S118-S125
JournalHealth Psychology
Volume27
Issue number2 SUPPL. 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2008

Keywords

  • intervention
  • mediation
  • social support
  • type 2 diabetes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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