FACTORS PREDICTING DIABETIC PREVENTIVE BEHAVIOR IN PERSONS WITH PRE-DIABETES

Abstract

The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to examine factors influencing diabetic preventive behavior based on the Health Belief Model.  The study utilized a purposive sample of 108 persons with pre-diabetes following the inclusion criteria. All data were collected by using questionnaires, a demographic data questionnaire, a health beliefs perception questionnaire, and a diabetic preventive behavior questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. 

      The results showed that the pre-diabetes sample had an average score of health belief and diabetic preventive behavior at a moderate level. Perceived severity and perceived benefits were significantly positively correlated with diabetic preventive behavior, and perceived barriers were significantly negatively correlated with diabetic preventive behavior. Perceived barriers and perceived severity were significant factors predicting diabetic preventive behavior of persons with pre-diabetes and were able to predict 44.80 percent of diabetic preventive behavior of persons with pre-diabetes. The findings suggested that a health belief program should be provided to promote diabetic preventive behavior in persons with pre-diabetes.