Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of cardiovascular risk factors of type 2 diabetic patients.
METHODS
Diabetic patients (N=160) were interviewed from November, 2003 to June, 2004. The 24 hour dietary recall, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale for patient with Type 2 diabetes, the Revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure Scale and Parma Cardiovascular Risk Index were used to measure the predictors. Data were analyzed by descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression using the SPSS WIN 10.0.
RESULTS
Mean dietary intakes of the participants were protein(P) of 64.5g, carbohydrate(C) of 280.74g, fat(F) of 30g, and calcium of 511.45mg. The ratio of CPF was 75:17:8. About 45% of the participants didn't exercise on a regular basis. The levels of self-efficacy, self-care, and cardiovascular risk factors of the participants were moderate. Self-efficacy was the most important predictor of cardiovascular risk factors along with self-care, exercising for more than 6 months, carbohydrate intakes and levels of physical activities.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the study suggest that intervention programs increasing self-efficacy on diabetic management would be more beneficial than the fractional approach focusing only on diet or physical activities.

• Keywords: Diet; Physical activities; Self-efficacy; Self-care; Cardiovascular disease