Farhana Khandoker (Public Health) published “Applying the Multi-Theory Model of Health Behavior Change to Examine Depression Among U.S. Adults with Diagnosed Diabetes,” a theory-driven, cross-sectional study analyzing nationally representative 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.

Guided by the Multi-Theory Model of Health Behavior Change, the study examines behavioral, emotional, and environmental correlates of lifetime diagnosed depression among U.S. adults with diabetes. Findings show that emotional distress and adverse social conditions are significantly stronger predictors of depression than health behaviors alone, emphasizing the critical role of psychological and social determinants in health outcomes.

The research highlights the need for integrated, patient-centered interventions that incorporate distress screening and context-responsive strategies within diabetes care.