Using Path Analysis and Linear Regression to Test for Gender and Participation: Effects in a Culturally Tailored Diabetes Intervention for Latino Adults

While the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes is higher among Latino/as, Latino men are disproportionately affected and have poorer outcomes. We aimed to determine whether gender impacted any outcomes in a culturally tailored type 2 diabetes (T2D) intervention and to evaluate the effects of gender and intervention participation intensity on outcomes at 6-month follow-up. Nested path and regression models were compared with the likelihood ratio test and information criteria in a sample of Latino/a adults with T2D (n = 222) participating in a T2D community health worker (CHW)-led intervention. Path analysis showed that the effect of the intervention did not vary by gender. The intervention was associated with significant improvements in knowledge of T2D management 0.24 (0.10); p = 0.014, diabetes distress, −0.26 (0.12); p = 0.023, and self-efficacy, 0.61 (0.21); p = 0.005. At 6-month follow-up, improved self-management was associated with greater self-efficacy and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was lower by −0.18 (0.08); p = 0.021 for each unit of self-management behavior. Linear regressions showed that class attendance and home visits contributed to positive intervention results, while gender was non-significant. Pathways of change in a CHW-led culturally tailored T2D intervention can have a significant effect on participant behaviors and health status outcomes, regardless of gender.