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 $71.37{pm}15.56$, knowledge $15.00{pm}2.84$, self-care behavior $63.18{pm}13.10$. The mean score for HbAlc level was $7.66{pm}1.77%$, HDL cholesterol level, $46.22{pm}13.04 mg/dl$ and total cholesterol level, $187.93{pm}41.45 mg/dl$. 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.
PDF Links
Full text via DOI 
Download Citation 
