Date of Conferral

7-22-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Angela Yarber

Abstract

Predicting Dietary Behavior in Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory by Precious Mueller MA, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, University of Iowa, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2024 “ Diabetes mellitus Type II is a prevalent and serious condition affecting millions globally, particularly among obese adults. The association between dietary behaviors and diabetes management is critical, as it directly impacts health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. This study aims to identify the determinants of dietary behaviors that influence Type II diabetes management. Grounded in social cognitive theory (SCT), the research examines expectations, self-efficacy, and environmental influences on dietary choices. The guiding questions focus on the relationship between expectations, self-efficacy, environmental and dietary behaviors, specifically refraining from sweetened beverages and adopting smaller portion sizes. A cross-sectional design was employed with 400 obese adult participants, of which 358 completed the study and provided data for analysis. Data were collected through measurements of weight, height, and the questionnaires related to dietary behaviors and (SCT) constructs. Statistical analysis revealed that participants who substituted sweetened beverages with non-sweetened alternatives experienced significant improvements in fasting blood sugar levels, decreasing from an average of 200 mg/dL to 170 mg/dL, compared to those who did not substitute. Furthermore, strong positive correlations were found between (SCT) dietary behaviors, with self-control showing the highest correlation with portion control (r = 0.55). These findings provide information that can help improve the impact of efforts supporting adults with diabetes by can be incorporated into adult diabetes programs that may reduce reducing the prevalence of the disease. Thus, the implications for positive social change ultimately include enhanced health outcomes for obese adults with diabetes, leading to improved community well-being and productivity. Predicting Dietary Behavior in Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory by Precious Mueller MA, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, University of Iowa, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2024

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