Date of Conferral

5-9-2024

Date of Award

May 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Srikanta Banerjee

Abstract

There is no consensus as to whether having type 2 diabetes increases an individual’s risk for developing cognitive dysfunction. Though cognitive dysfunction is considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, it is also classified as a newly formed diabetes-related complication. The purpose of the study was to evaluate if self-reported healthcare – diagnosed diabetes has any association in the risk of the development of cognitive dysfunction in individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Self-determination theory served as the theoretical framework. The research questions concerned whether (a) an association exists between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction, (b) ethnicity plays a vital role in modifying the effect of the association between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction, and (c) gender modifies the effect of the association between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was applied with a secondary data set from the data collected in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated an association between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction, OR = 1.76, CI [1.32, 2.33], p < .05. Other findings indicated the existence of an association with certain gender and ethnic groups. Recommendations for future research include evaluating the impact, if any, that race has on the association between hemoglobin A1c levels and cognitive dysfunction. The study may promote positive social change by increasing health care professionals’ awareness of the association between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction. By imparting this information to patients, health care professionals may be able to motivate patients to maintain better control of their diabetes.

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