Assessment of health belief model structures along with HbA1C in diabetic patients with optimum and unfavorable diabetes control

Introduction: Nowadays implementing educational models for identifying reasons of
rejecting health issues in the treatment process is increasingly concerned. One of the
models which has been a matter of concern in recent years is health belief model. The
objective of this study is assessing the structures of this model along with HbA1C in
diabetic patients.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study 76 (insuline dependent and non-insulin
dependent) diabetic patients who referred to diabetes clinic of Hormozgan University of
Medical Sciences during July and Augest 2006 and had been detected as diabetic at
least one year prior to recruitment, entered the study after filling consent form. Data
collection was performed via 3 questionnaired including demographic information,
health belief model and self-efficacy questionnaires. HbA1C was calculated by
calorimetry and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Data by SPSS software, using
t-test and pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: 46 women (60.5%) and 30 men were studied. Data analysis revealed that
there is no significant difference between HbA1C and the following factors: amount
of perceived barriers according to sugar control, amount of perceived self-efficacy
based on sex, rate of perceived self-efficacy on the basis of literacy and sensitivity
rate perceived by the number of years inflicted with diabetes.
Conclusion: Diabetes control is not satisfactory in patients despite long term
medication and prejudiced diets. The level of health belief model structures in
patients with unfavorable diabetes control is lower than those with optimum control.
Hence, a precise educational program based on health belief model is necessity for
excelling severity and sensitivity perceived by patients, increasing the perceived
benefits and removing perceived barriers.