The Relationship Between Diabetes Empowerment and Social Support Among Minorities Living with Diabetes

Victoria N. Foster, Gardner-Webb University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between diabetes empowerment and social support among minorities living with diabetes. The researcher used a descriptive quantitative study design among 20 minorities recruited from a predominately African American church in southeastern United Sates. The study was guided by Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between the variables in the Diabetes Empowerment Scale and MOS Social Support Survey among minorities living with diabetes. Minorities require special attention regarding new developments of healthcare interventions in order to successfully manage and prevent diabetes. Nurses and other health care professionals must work together with this population and their families in order to help improve and develop successful approaches towards helping minorities to become empowered and educated about this disease.