Date of Conferral

9-16-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Clarence Schumaker

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with non-Hispanic Black women bearing a disproportionately high burden of the disease. Although this group has a lower overall prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), those who develop GDM face an increased risk of progressing to T2DM. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to explore the relationship between GDM, physical activity, weight status, and T2DM development among non-Hispanic Black women. Secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, collected from 2017 through March 2020, were analyzed. The health belief model served as the theoretical framework for the investigation. A sample of 922 women diagnosed with T2DM was included in the analysis, which involved hierarchical logistic regression to examine the relationship between predictor variables (GDM history, physical activity, and weight status) and T2DM diagnosis. Findings revealed that a history of GDM (p = .001, OR = 7.652) and being overweight (p = .009, OR = 1.583) were statistically significant predictors of T2DM. Conversely, moderate (p = .667, OR = 1.098) and vigorous physical activity (p = .357, OR = .775) showed a non-significant trend toward a lower risk of T2DM. These findings highlight the importance of culturally responsive interventions that promote physical activity and weight management among non-Hispanic Black women, especially those with a history of GDM. The study supports positive social change by providing insight that can inform public health efforts to reduce racial disparities in diabetes prevention and improve health equity among vulnerable populations.

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