Learning Objective #1: Describe a culturally sensitive, comprehensive assessment format to use with Hispanic people with new diagnoses of diabetes

Learning Objective #2: Discuss the role of professional nursing support and self-efficacy in assisting Hispanic people to adjust to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

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The specific aim of this predictive, correlational study was to test a culturally sensitive diabetes-specific health protection model to determine predictors of successful diabetes management in a newly diagnosed, Type 2, low-income Hispanic population. Using a newly developed Hispanic Health Protection Model (HHPM) as a framework, 240 adult participants with low levels of acculturation, strong beliefs about illness attribution and control of health, and low literacy levels were interviewed in a three-phase process over four to six months. The data analysis resulted in an 11-variable composite model developed from four partial structural equation models, and included lifestyle profile, acculturation, health beliefs, professional and social support, self-efficacy, diabetes knowledge, quality (self-satisfaction and impact of diabetes), and changes in hemoglobina1c and body mass index. The study established new uses for carefully translated measures that held up to strong psychometric evaluation. There was support for the HHPM for this population, and the results suggest future intervention with strengthening enablers, such as professional support and diabetes self-efficacy in relation to this group's health beliefs.