Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Howell Sasser

Abstract

Several studies have been conducted that link poor control of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to an increased risk of heart disease. However, there are limited published studies that link HbA1c and heart disease based on ethnicity and gender. To address this gap in literature, the purpose of this study was to assess the association between HbA1c and heart disease in African American males (aged 30-64 years old) while controlling for education, income, and access to care. The research questions were focused on establishing an association between HbA1c values and heart disease in African American men through the lens of the health belief model. Secondary data (N=243) were used from the Nutritional Health and Examination Survey (2011-2016) and analyzed. Chi-square analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted to test for an association between HbA1c and heart disease in men aged 30-64 years old. The variables of Hba1c values, various forms of heart disease, and stroke were tested while controlling for age, education, income, and access to care. Key results indicated no association between HbA1c and heart disease; yet, it is recommended that future research on the topic should include a larger sample of those with heart disease, from other sources, to better assess the outcome. The positive social change implications include the addition of research related to gender-specific outcomes and ethnicity-related risk between HbA1c and heart disease, which can be used to achieve better disease management and provide educational opportunities for diabetic African-American men.

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