Prochnow Tyler, Smith Matthew Lee, Patterson Megan S, Park Jeong-Hui, Sherman Ledric D
School of Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, United States.
Center for Health Equity and Evaluation Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
Front Public Health. 2025 May 23;13:1483880. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1483880. eCollection 2025.
This mixed-methods study protocol investigates the role of social networks in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) self-management among Black/African American (B/AA) men, a population disproportionately affected by T2D. The study employs a convergent design, combining quantitative social network analysis with longitudinal qualitative interviews. A nationally representative sample of 1,200 B/AA men with T2D will complete an online survey assessing their social networks, T2D self-management practices, and related psychosocial factors. A subset of 65 participants will engage in semi-structured interviews at two timepoints 6 months apart to explore the formation and evolution of supportive relationships. The study aims to: (1) identify specific aspects of social networks related to T2D self-management adherence, and (2) characterize the formation and evolution of relationships that improve T2D self-management strategies. Quantitative data will be analyzed using multivariate and multilevel regression techniques, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. This comprehensive approach will provide insights into the structure and function of social networks among B/AA men with T2D, potentially informing culturally tailored interventions to improve T2D outcomes in this underserved population. The study's innovative focus on the broader social context of T2D management among B/AA men has the potential to address health disparities and contribute to more effective strategies for reducing the burden of T2D in this population.
这项混合方法研究方案调查了社交网络在黑人/非裔美国男性2型糖尿病（T2D）自我管理中的作用，该人群受T2D影响的比例过高。该研究采用了一种收敛性设计，将定量社交网络分析与纵向定性访谈相结合。一个由1200名患有T2D的黑人/非裔美国男性组成的具有全国代表性的样本将完成一项在线调查，评估他们的社交网络、T2D自我管理实践以及相关的社会心理因素。65名参与者的子样本将在相隔6个月的两个时间点进行半结构化访谈，以探讨支持性人际关系的形成和演变。该研究旨在：（1）确定社交网络中与T2D自我管理依从性相关的具体方面，以及（2）描述改善T2D自我管理策略的人际关系的形成和演变。定量数据将使用多变量和多层次回归技术进行分析，而定性数据将进行主题分析。这种综合方法将深入了解患有T2D的黑人/非裔美国男性社交网络的结构和功能，有可能为文化上量身定制的干预措施提供信息，以改善这一服务不足人群的T2D结局。该研究对黑人/非裔美国男性T2D管理更广泛社会背景的创新关注有可能解决健康差距问题，并有助于制定更有效的策略来减轻该人群的T2D负担。
