Abstract
Problem Significance: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the African American community. Despite the common misconception that the increased prevalence of T2D in the African American population is primarily due to genetics, several individual and environmental factors also play a role in this community. Many environmental factors, such as a poor food environment and a lack of parks and green spaces, exist in South Sacramento that increase the risk of T2D. T2D has also been identified by South Sacramento residents as a significant problem that requires community-wide attention. An intervention specific to this population is vital.
Analysis: To determine the factors affecting the prevalence of T2D in African American adults in South Sacramento, a socio-ecological model was used. The causal chain revealed the four social determinants as the primary contributors to the prevalence of T2D: health literacy, familial support, physical activity, and the food environment.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal: A pilot program called Breaking the Myth aims to provide familial support among African American people living in South Sacramento to improve self-management behavior. The social cognitive theory serves as the foundation for this intervention. This intervention will include four components that will strive to improve South Sacramento's physical and food environments as well as improve the participant’s self-management activities and family support.
Implementation And Evaluation: All stakeholders are needed to ensure that this intervention provides this community with the tools and resources to improve their self-management and reduce T2D rates. This intervention is still in its pilot phase, therefore there is always an opportunity for growth.