Risk Perceptions for Developing Type 2 Diabetes among Overweight and Obese Adolescents with and without a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Objectives: Examine risk perceptions among overweight and obese adolescents for developing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) compared to their peers, in adulthood and in their lifetime.

Methods: Participants (N = 319) were overweight/obese college-aged students. Multiple linear regression analyses examined the predictive relationship of the independent variables on comparative, absolute and 5-year perceived risk for developing T2D.

Results: Female adolescents (β=0.186, p < .05), those with a T2D family history (β=0.147, p < .05) and BMI (β=0.315, p < .05), had a positive statistically significant relationship with comparative, absolute, and 5-year T2D risk perceptions. Although most respondents reported behavioral risk factors for developing T2D, behavioral causal belief had no statistically significant (p > .05) association with personal T2D risk assessment.

Conclusions: The at-risk participants in this investigation primarily based their T2D risk assessment on non-modifiable factors, possible undervaluing the influence of behavioral risk and protective factors. Future work should seek to improve awareness of the influence of behavioral factors and also seek to increase the perceived risk of not engaging in protective behaviors such as physical activity and weight management.