Factors influencing eating behavior of people with type 2 diabetes in Bhutan

Abstract

ABSTRACT           This cross-sectional study explored eating behaviors among Bhutanese with type 2 diabetes and examined the predicted relationships between perceived self-efficacy, social support, perceived barriers, and eating behavior. Pender’s Health Promotion Model provided a conceptual framework for this study. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit 82 type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals from the Diabetic Outpatient-clinic at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan. Data collected using self-report questionnaires comprising demographic questionnaire, eating behavior questionnaire, perceived self-efficacy questionnaire, and perceived barriers questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that participants’ eating behavior was at a moderate level. Pearsonn correlation coefficients indicated significant correlation between eating behavior and perceived self-efficacy (r = 0.720, p < 0.001), social support (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), and perceived barrier (r = 0.24, p < 0.001). Stepwise multiple regressions revealed that only perceived self-efficacy significantly predicted eating behavior (β = 0.57, p < 0.001) and explained total variance of 51.3% (F 1, 80 = 86.22, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.513).The results provide important information to use perceived self-efficacy to design effective nursing intervention in order to promote blood sugar control and improve quality of life among people with T2D.