A Study of the Relationship of Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Self-Care Behavior to Metabolic Level in Patients with NIDDM

Lee, Sook Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of self-efficacy, knowledge about the disease, and self-care behavior to the metabolic level in patients with NIDDM. METHOD: Data were collected from March 15 to April 15, 2001. Participants in the study were 48 patients with NIDDM who were seen regularly at the endocrinology out-patient department of Gwangju Christian Hospital. The data were collected through individual interviews and patient blood samples. The data were analyzed with SPSS/PC+, using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and Cronbach's Alpha. RESULT: 1. The mean score for self-efficacy was 71.37+/-15.56, knowledge 15.00+/-2.84, self-care behavior 63.18+/-13.10. The mean score for HbA1c level was 7.66+/-1.77%, HDL cholesterol level, 46.22+/-13.04 mg/dl and total cholesterol level, 187.93+/-41.45 mg/dl. 2. There was a significant difference between patients with a spouse and those without one (t=-2.08, p=0.042), in knowledge according to level of obesity (t=5.14, p=0.010), duration of illness (t=3.22, p=0.031) and presence of complications related to diabetes (t=-2.58, p= 0.013). There were no significant differences in self-care behavior, but there were significant differences in sugar metabolic level according to sex (t=-2.02, p=0.050). 3. The correlation between diabetic patients' self-efficacy, knowledge and self-care behaviour and metabolic control was significantly related only to self-efficacy and self-care behavior (r=.692, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to improve self-efficacy, knowledge, and self-care behavior for patients with NIDDM by using nursing intervention programs to promote and maintain metabolic control.