Sex differences in the association of psychosocial resources with prevalent type 2 diabetes among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

Abstract

Aim: To examine the association of psychosocial resources with prevalent type 2 diabetes (T2D) in 5104 African American men and women.

Methods: Using data from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), we evaluated the cross-sectional associations of four psychosocial resources (social support, optimism, religiosity, and social networks) with T2D [fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, or use of diabetic medication]. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated prevalence ratios (PR, 95% confidence interval-CI) of T2D by each psychosocial measure, adjusting for demographics, SES, waist circumference, health behaviors, and depressive symptoms.

Results: Women reported greater religiosity and had more social networks than men (p < 0.001). High (vs. low) social support was associated with a lower prevalence of T2D among men after full adjustment (PR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.91). Women with high (vs. low) social networks had a 16% lower prevalence of T2D (PR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.96) after full adjustment. High (vs. low) optimism was associated with a 20% lower prevalence of T2D after adjustment for age (PR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98). Religiosity was not associated with T2D.

Conclusion: Social support and networks should be considered in efforts to prevent T2D among a high-risk group such as African Americans.

Keywords: African Americans; Optimism; Psychosocial resources; Social networks; Social support; Type 2 diabetes.