Survey of Social and Environmental Factors Supporting Self-Management Behavior among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients of Government Hospitals and Health Centers in Bangkok.

Abstract

This research aimed at studying social and environmental factors infl uencing self management behavior of 500 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in government hospitals and Bangkok Metropolitan healthcare service centers who were selected in to the study by multistage sampling technique. Three sets of questionnaires were used as research instrument to collect data relating to personal demographics, social and environmental factors support and self-management behavior.

The results showed that the most supportive factor was healthcare team support. While support from community organizations was ranked the lowest. Self-management behaviour of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was at medium-to-good level. Supportive factors signifi cantly related to self-management behaviors are personal support (adjusted OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.86 – 5.44), while low level of organization support is the signifi cant barrier against self-management behaviors (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.20 – 0.71).

Thus, in order to improve self management for type 2 diabetes patients, there should be the policy which integrated all aspect of determinants by using health promotion programs to promote exercise and healthy eating in the community. Patients, family and friends, neighbors and co-workers should participate and health care team should take role as counsellors and supporters of such activities.

Key words: self-management, type 2 diabetes, social-environmental support