Self-efficacy and self-care behaviours among adults with type 2 diabetes

Background Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has an impact on an individuals' health and is influenced by glycemic control. Aim To examine the relationship between glycemic control, demographic and clinical factors on self-efficacy and self-care behaviours among adults with T2DM. Design A correlational, descriptive study was used. One hundred and forty Omani adults with T2DM were recruited from a public hospital. Methods Data on self-efficacy, self-care behaviours and glycemic control were collected between April and July 2016. The study was approved by the College Ethics Committee and Hospital Board. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results Most adults had a fasting blood glucose > 7.2 mmol/L (90.7%), with the majority demonstrating ‘uncontrolled’ or poor HbA1c of > 8% (65%). Variance of self-care behaviour (20.6%) and 31.3% of the variance of the self-efficacy was explained by the age, duration of diabetes, medication, HbA1c and prevention of activities of living. Conclusions Adults with T2DM with poor glycemic control were more probable to have poor self-efficacy and self-care behaviours. Glycemic control has an effect on improving diet, exercise, medication, foot care efficacy and behaviours. Clinical relevance The study recommends using these findings to plan self-efficacy and self-care behaviour to improve glycemic control among adults with T2DM.