Relationship between Risk Perceptions, Health Behavior Self-management and Blood Sugar Level among Diabetic High Risk Population in Muang, Lampang Province

Abstract

          This descriptive correlation design aimed to study the relationship between risk perceptions, health behavior self-management and blood sugar level among diabetic high risk population in Muang, Lampang province. 380 samples were diabetic high risk who had blood sugar level 100 – 125 mg% using cluster random sampling method. The instruments consisted of personal information, risk perceptions and health behavior self-management questionnaires and record of blood sugar test. The IOC content validity were between .66 and 1. The reliability coefficients were .78 and .82. The data analysis using descriptive statistics: percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson’s coefficient for correlation.   The results showed 1) health belief had a positive relationship with eating control behavior, exercise, and emotional management; 2) Perceived benefit was positively associated with exercise and emotional management; 3) Perceived barrier had a negative relationship with eating control behavior and emotional management. In contrast, perceived barrier was positively correlated to health risk behavior; and 4) Blood sugar level was negatively associated with perceived susceptibility, eating control behavior and exercise. The suggestion would be the development of promotion guideline for diabetic high risk population to maintain health behaviors by enhancing perceptions of susceptibility and benefits as well as an in-depth study to find out the barriers that effect on performing health behavior.