The Role of Exercise in the African‐American Woman with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Application of the Health Belief Model

PURPOSE: To determine whether aging African-American women with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus who maintain a regular exercise regimen possess different health beliefs and benefit from greater glycemic control than those who do not exercise regularly. DATA SOURCES: A 32-item health belief model diabetes scale was administered to a convenience sample of 31 African-American women with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: A group t-test identified statistically significant differences between "exercisers" and "non-exercisers" in perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and glycemic control. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings may be utilized in the development of diabetic educational programs and compliance-enhancing treatment interventions that focus on the barriers and benefits of diabetes self-management.