The Influence of Self-care Behaviors, Empowerment and Social Support on Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of self-care behavior, empowerment, and social support on glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The data were collected during the period of July 1 to July 31, 2016. In total, 172 participants were recruited from outpatients who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a health care center, a health promotion center at National Health Insurance Corporation, and a tertiary hospital. Statistical data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 using frequency analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: The study results showed that self-care behavior (β=−.34, p<.001), empowerment (β=−.34, p<.001), and social support (β=−.20, p=.018) were found to be influential factors affecting glycosylated hemoglobin, with an overall descriptive power of 69%. CONCLUSION: Self-care behavior, empowerment, and social support are considered to be important factors in blood glucose management for the patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, self-caring blood glucose programs and internal synchronizing education through social support and empowerment need to be improved.