Meihua Ji1, Dianxu Ren, Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, Tiffany L Gary-Webb, Judith A Erlen. 1. Meihua Ji, PhD, RN, is PhD Candidate, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Meihua Ji is now Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Dianxu Ren, PhD, MD, is Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Dean and Distinguished Service Professor, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tiffany L. Gary-Webb, PhD, MHS, is Associate Professor, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Judith A. Erlen, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes self-management and glycemic control are suboptimal among Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes with a large proportion of patients identified with metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: Based on social cognitive theory, this study examines the effect of selected personal, behavioral, and environmental factors on self-management behaviors, glycemic control, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Chinese with Type 2 diabetes living in a suburban area of Beijing, China. Regression models were applied to examine the effect of selected personal, behavioral, and environmental factors on self-management behaviors, glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome. The relationship among individual self-management behaviors, glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome was also examined. RESULTS: Self-efficacy was significantly associated with all self-management behaviors. Social support was related to overall self-management, diabetes knowledge was related to diet, and depressive symptoms was related to self-monitoring. Problem-solving and self-management behaviors related to medication adherence and diet were significant correlates of glycemic control. Health literacy and self-management behaviors related to physical activity were correlates of metabolic syndrome. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that a multifactorial approach may be beneficial when providing care for Chinese with Type 2 diabetes. In addition, these findings provide support for developing and testing tailored interventions that address problem-solving, health literacy, and self-efficacy, among other factors, to help patients achieve optimal glycemic control and thereby reduce their risk for metabolic syndrome and related complications.
BACKGROUND:Diabetes self-management and glycemic control are suboptimal among Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes with a large proportion of patients identified with metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: Based on social cognitive theory, this study examines the effect of selected personal, behavioral, and environmental factors on self-management behaviors, glycemic control, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Chinese with Type 2 diabetes living in a suburban area of Beijing, China. Regression models were applied to examine the effect of selected personal, behavioral, and environmental factors on self-management behaviors, glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome. The relationship among individual self-management behaviors, glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome was also examined. RESULTS: Self-efficacy was significantly associated with all self-management behaviors. Social support was related to overall self-management, diabetes knowledge was related to diet, and depressive symptoms was related to self-monitoring. Problem-solving and self-management behaviors related to medication adherence and diet were significant correlates of glycemic control. Health literacy and self-management behaviors related to physical activity were correlates of metabolic syndrome. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that a multifactorial approach may be beneficial when providing care for Chinese with Type 2 diabetes. In addition, these findings provide support for developing and testing tailored interventions that address problem-solving, health literacy, and self-efficacy, among other factors, to help patients achieve optimal glycemic control and thereby reduce their risk for metabolic syndrome and related complications.