Predicting dietary behavior of type 2 diabetics: Application of the theory of planned behavior and perceived risk of diabetes complications construct

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a major health problem due to its complications. However, it could be prevented or delayed by modifications in the patients’ behavior and diets. The objective of this study was to explore the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and complications of diabetes perceived risk to find modifiable diabetes-related beliefs in order to make behavioral changes feasible. METHODS: The present descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetes clinics in Semirom, Iran, based on TPB and complications of diabetes perceived risk using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 154 patients with diabetes without complications of diabetes participated in the study. Measured variables were patients’ attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, complications of diabetes perceived risk, intention to maintain a healthful diet and nutritional style. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. RESULTS: The results revealed that the TPB and perceived risk of diabetes complications fitted the data acceptably well among patients with type 2 diabetes and within dietary behavior. Perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, perceived risk of diabetes complications, and intention to maintain a healthy diet were related to healthy diet behavior. No relation was found between attitude and intention to follow a healthy diet. CONCLUSION: The TPB and perceived risk of diabetes complications is a useful theory in determining intentions of patients with diabetes and their adherence to a healthy diet

Knowledge, Treatment, Control, and Risk Factors for Hypertension among Adults in Southern Iran

Hypertension is the first and the most common risk factor to diseases such as cardiovascular, stroke, and renal diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the factors relevant to hypertension knowledge, treatment, and control in southern Iran. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in Kohgiluye Boyer-Ahmad province, south of Iran, a total of 1836 hypertension patients were randomly selected to participate voluntarily in the study. Hypertension treatment and its control were defined during study. In addition, knowledge about hypertension was measured by hypertension knowledge level scale (HK-LS). Treatment rates were 75.5 and 37.7 percent for female and male, respectively. Habitat, education, income, family history with hypertension, smoking, and time of diagnosis to the disease were found to be related to the treatment of the disease. Control rates were 30.7 and 31.4 for males and females, respectively. Habitat, education, and time of diagnosis to the disease were related to control. Over 50 percent of patients had average knowledge on hypertension. Considering the low rate of control and knowledge on hypertension among patients, health care providers should reinforce their services to improve appropriate knowledge level among elders and, also, plan comprehensive programs to promote health in order to encourage patients change and reform their life style

Predicting dietary behavior of type 2 diabetics: Application of the theory of planned behavior and perceived risk of diabetes complications construct

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a major health problem due to its complications. However, it could be prevented or delayed by modifications in the patients’ behavior and diets. The objective of this study was to explore the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and complications of diabetes perceived risk to find modifiable diabetes-related beliefs in order to make behavioral changes feasible. METHODS: The present descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetes clinics in Semirom, Iran, based on TPB and complications of diabetes perceived risk using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 154 patients with diabetes without complications of diabetes participated in the study. Measured variables were patients’ attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, complications of diabetes perceived risk, intention to maintain a healthful diet and nutritional style. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. RESULTS: The results revealed that the TPB and perceived risk of diabetes complications fitted the data acceptably well among patients with type 2 diabetes and within dietary behavior. Perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, perceived risk of diabetes complications, and intention to maintain a healthy diet were related to healthy diet behavior. No relation was found between attitude and intention to follow a healthy diet. CONCLUSION: The TPB and perceived risk of diabetes complications is a useful theory in determining intentions of patients with diabetes and their adherence to a healthy diet