Perceived Control and Psychosocial/Physiological Functioning in African American Elders With Type 2 Diabetes

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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this pilot study was to assess (1) the reliability of the revised Wallhagen Perceived Control Questionnaire (PCQ-R), derived from a person-environment perspective, in a sample of elderly African Americans >60 years with Type 2 diabetes and (2) the relationship between the PCQ-R and psychosocial and physiological functioning. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional, pilot project was conducted with a convenience sample of 23 African Americans with Type 2 diabetes. Variables included health status, the PCQ-R, the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36, and glycosylated hemoglobin. RESULTS The PCQ-R was reliable and significantly related to physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role involvement, mental health, vitality, and general health perception. No relationship was found with metabolic control. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the reliability of the PCQ-R and the conceptualization of control. However, confirmation is needed in a larger sample, and questions that emerged require further exploration.