The Application of Social Cognitive Theory to Diabetes Health Education Practice for Hispanic American women

Abstract

Hispanic American women face high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Cultural influences, language barriers, and lifestyle habits are major influences on health outcomes for this demographic. The peer education model has been proven to decrease health disparities for Hispanic communities overall, and increase effectiveness of health programs. As prevention education becomes more mainstream however, it is important to develop programs grounded in theory. The Social Cognitive Theory offers a theoretical framework for diabetes peer education programs geared to Hispanic American women, with its core constructs of personal cognitive, socioenvironmental, and behavior factors interacting in a way known as reciprocal determinism.