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Psychosocial Self-Efficacy and Personal Characteristics of Veterans Attending a Diabetes Education Program

PURPOSE The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe the perceived psychosocial self-efficacy, attitude toward having diabetes, baseline glucose level, and personal characteristics of male veterans with type 2 diabetes. METHODS The Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES) was mailed to participants and collected on the day of the program. Percent ideal body weight and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured. Comparisons were made by educational level, racial origin, and type of medication regimen on the DES and its subscales. RESULTS Participants on oral medication versus insulin had higher scores in the categories of Motivation to Change and Ability to Cope with Feelings. Participants with less education had greater scores in Ability to Cope with Feelings and Obtain Support. No racial differences were seen on the measured scores; a significant difference was seen between Caucasians and non-Caucasians in baseline glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS Targeting intervention strategies early in the course of disease progression may positively affect outcome. Longitudinal studies are needed to demonstrate the impact of self-management training on psychosocial self-efficacy and clinical outcomes.