Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the predictors of cardiovascular risk factors among type 2 diabetic patients.
METHOD
Data were collected from November, 2003 to June, 2004 using a physiological index and questionnaires. Patients(N=159) aged 40 and above were conveniently recruited from health care centers in B city. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression using SPSS WIN 10.0 program.
RESULTS
The cardiovascular risk factors were negatively related with female gender, household monthly income, educational experience about diabetes, physical activity, self-care, self-efficacy and problem oriented coping, while positively related with the duration of diabetes, diabetic family history and depression. Self-care, diabetic family history, female gender, monthly household income, self-efficacy, affective-oriented coping and physical activity predicted 41.5% of the variance in cardiovascular risk factors of diabetic patients.
CONCLUSION
According to the findings of this study, we concluded that cardiovascular risk factors of type 2 diabetic patients are related to the modifiable and non-modifiable variables. Self-care, self-efficacy, affective- oriented coping, and physical activity were identified as modifiable variables. Intervention programs to increase those variables are warranted to reduce cardiovascular risk factors among type 2 diabetic patients.

• Keywords: Diabetes complications; Physical activity; Self care; Depression; Self efficacy