The role of the Health Belief Model in amputees' self-evaluation of adherence to diabetes self-care behaviors

Abstract

This study involving 76 amputated patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus examined the relationship between their beliefs regarding diabetes and its treatment and their self-evaluation of adherence to diabetes self-care behaviors. Descriptive results showed a high level of adherence to medication, foot care, and blood glucose testing, and a low level of adherence to diet and exercise. The correlative analysis revealed significant relationships between perceived social support and adherence to diet, and between perceived social support, barriers, and adherence to the practice of exercise. The regression analysis showed a significant influence of perceived social support on adherence to diet. The same relationship was observed for the influence of perceived social support and barriers on adherence to exercise. Findings support the importance of giving more attention to patients' needs regarding adherence to diet and exercise, improving social support, and removing barriers to patients' treatment. After an amputation it is important to provide patients with an appropriate diabetes teaching and follow-up program.