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. 2007 Autumn;23(4):332-8.
doi: 10.1111/j.1748-0361.2007.00111.x.

Ethnic and sex differences in ownership of preventive health equipment among rural older adults with diabetes

Ronny A Bell  1 , Thomas A Arcury, Jeanette M Stafford, Shannon L Golden, Beverly M Snively, Sara A Quandt
Affiliations

Ethnic and sex differences in ownership of preventive health equipment among rural older adults with diabetes

Ronny A Bell et al. J Rural Health. 2007 Autumn.

Abstract

Context: Diabetes self-management is important for achieving successful health outcomes. Different levels of self-management have been reported among various populations, though little is known about ownership of equipment that can enhance accomplishment of these tasks.

Purpose: This study examined diabetes self-management equipment ownership among rural older adults.

Methods: Participants included African American, American Indian, and white men and women 65 years of age and older. Data included equipment ownership overall and by ethnicity and sex across diabetes self-management domains (glucose monitoring, foot care, medication adherence, exercise, and diet). Associations between equipment ownership and demographic and health characteristics were assessed using logistic regression.

Findings: Equipment ownership ranged from 85.0% for blood glucose meters to less than 11% for special socks, modified dishes, and various forms of home exercise equipment. Equipment ownership was associated with ethnicity, living arrangements, mobility, poverty status, and formal education.

Conclusions: Rural older adults with diabetes are at risk because they lack equipment to perform some self-management tasks. Providers should be sensitive to and assist patients in overcoming this barrier.

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