Predictors of dietary self-efficacy in high glycosylated hemoglobin A1c type 2 diabetic patients

Objective To predict dietary self-efficacy behaviors in high glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) patients using type D personality (TDP) and other psychosocial measures. Methods A cross-sectional, predictive research design was implemented. Participants were type 2 diabetes mellitus patients diagnosed more than 2 years prior to the study. Data were collected for demographics, dietary self-efficacy and psychological measures. Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to test for relationships, the Mann-Whitney test was used to test for differences and multiple linear regression was used to examine predictors of dietary self-efficacy. Results Lower dietary self-efficacy was strongly correlated with greater social isolation (r = 0.93) and moderately correlated with more mental health problems (r = 0.20) and higher TDP scores (r = 0.17). Higher HbA1c was inversely related to self-reported physical health (r = -0.19). Social and emotional isolation and time since diagnosis predicted dietary self-efficacy (greater isolation was associated with more dietary management difficulties). Conclusions Regression outcomes suggested that a 10% decrease in social isolation improves dietary self-efficacy by 30%, a significant boost to therapeutic adherence. We recommend assessment of social isolation to improve dietary self-efficacy and achieve better patient adherence to therapy.