814-P: Determinants of Diabetes Self-Care in Two Populations of Arabs with Type 2 Diabetes Living in Their Country of Origin or in the United States: A Comparative Analysis

Optimal diabetes management requires daily activities of self-care. Thus, understanding the sociodemographic determinants of diabetes self-care is crucial to improve diabetes control.

The aim of this study is to compare diabetes self-care activities and their determinants in 2 populations of Arabs with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) living in their country of origin (Lebanon) or in the United States (U.S.). A total of 334 patients (59 ± 13 years; 52.1% M) living in Lebanon and 181 patients (62 ± 12 years; 52.5% M) living in the U.S. were recruited. Diabetes self-care activities were assessed using Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Assessment (SDSCA); dimensions of diabetes distress were measured with the Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS). Half of the population in Lebanon were employed, 61.6% had health insurance and 42.3% were smokers; while among those living in the U.S., 23.7% were employed, 96.1% had health insurance and 26.5% were smokers. There were no significant group differences for gender, marital status and education. Compared to those in Lebanon, patients living in the U.S. had significantly higher mean scores on various SDSCA subscales, including general diet (t = 5.24, p < 0.001), exercise (t = 3.31, p = 0.001), blood glucose testing (t = 4.41, p < 0.001), and foot care (t = 8.84, p < 0.001) indicating better diabetes self-care. Multiple regression analyses showed that total SDSCA scores correlated significantly with age (β= 0.06, p = 0.015) and education (β= 3.02, p=0.006) in patients living in Lebanon; whereas predictors of total SDSCA scores among participants living in the U.S. were education (β= 8.46, p = 0.005) and management distress subscale of T1-DDS (β= - 2.92, p < 0.001).

In conclusion, Arab patients with T2DM living in the U.S. showed better diabetes self-care activities compared to those living in their country of origin. Predictors of self-care varied between the 2 populations. Further exploring other determinants is warranted.