Empowerment and Social Support as Predictors of Self-Care Behaviors and Glycemic Control in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

This study investigated empowerment, social support, and diabetes-related characteristics as predictors of self-care behaviors and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes in Turkey. Descriptive cross-sectional and relational research designs were used in this study. The study was carried out with a cohort of 220 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Linear regression analysis revealed that patient empowerment was a statistically significant predictor of diet (β = .30; p < .001), exercise (β = .19; p = .003), blood glucose monitoring (β = .27; p < .001), foot care (β = .27; p < .001), and A1c (β = −.19; p = .004). Social support was a statistically significant predictor of diet (β = .24; p < .001), exercise (β = .26; p < .001), blood glucose monitoring (β = .16; p = .011), and foot care (β = .19; p = .003). These results indicate that social support and empowerment are important for nurses to consider when planning interventions that increase the self-care behavior of individuals with type 2 diabetes and for improving glycemic control.