Effect of diabetes self-efficacy on glycemic control, medication adherence, self-care behaviors, and quality of life in a predominantly low-income, minority population

Objective: This study examined the effect of self-efficacy on glycemic control, self-care behaviors, and quality of life in low-income, minority adults with diabetes. Methods: Data on 378 participants were examined. Multiple linear regression assessed associations between self-efficacy, hemoglobin A1c, medication adherence, diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors and quality of life. Results: Self-efficacy had modest correlations with glycemic control (r= 2.250, P<.001), medication adherence (r= 2.352, P<.001), diabetes knowledge (r= .118, P=.039), diet (r= .420, P<.001), exercise (r= .220, P<.001), blood sugar testing (r= .213, P<.001), foot care (r= .121, P=.032), and mental health related quality of life (r= .137, P=.017). In the regression model, self-efficacy was significantly associated with glycemic control (β= 2.104, 95% CI: 2.157, 2.051), medication adherence (β= 2.067, 95% CI: 2.090, 2.044), diet (β=.150, 95% CI: .108, .191), exercise (β=.113, 95% CI: .065, .161), blood sugar testing (β=.107, 95% CI: .049, .164) and mental health related quality of life (β=.112, 95% CI: .051, .173). Conclusion: Higher self-efficacy was associated with improved glycemic control, medication adherence, self-care behavior and mental health related quality of life. Practice Implications: Emphasis on self-efficacy is relevant for educational interventions developed for low-income, minority populations.