The Effects of Self-efficacy and Self-stigma on Self-care in People with Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: This descriptive study investigated the effects of self-efficacy and self-stigma on self-care in people with diabetes. Methods: The study included a total of 377 patients with diabetes enrolled in university hospitals in D city and public health centers in S city. Data were collected from 1 July to 31 August, 2017, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Diabetes self-care was positively correlated with diabetes self-efficacy, whereas it was negatively correlated with diabetes self-stigma. Participants’ education level, marital status, perceived health status, type of medication, self-efficacy, and self-stigma explained 42.4% of the variance in diabetes self-care. Conclusion: The findings indicate that diabetes self-efficacy and self-stigma are important factors for improving self-care in patients with diabetes. Therefore, systematic programs for enhancing self-efficacy and reducing self-stigma of these individuals should be developed.