Effects of a Self-Care Model on the Prevention of Kidney Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Diabetic kidney disease is a major complication among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with progressive renal deterioration, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare burden. This study aimed to examine the effects of a self-regulation-based self-care promotion model on knowledge, self-regulation ability, and self-care behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design. The study was conducted between June and August 2025. The participants consisted of 44 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving services at the diabetes clinic of Makha Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research instruments included: (1) a self-care promotion model developed by the researcher, (2) a questionnaire on diabetes knowledge and prevention of diabetic kidney complications, (3) a self-regulation ability questionnaire, and (4) a self-care behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test. Results: After participation in the program, the participants demonstrated significantly higher mean scores in diabetes knowledge, self-regulation ability, and self-care behaviors compared with the pre-intervention period (p < .05). Conclusion: The developed self-care promotion model was effective in enhancing self-care capacity among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and supporting the prevention of diabetic kidney complications. The findings suggest that the model could serve as a practical approach for strengthening diabetes care and promoting self-management in primary healthcare settings.