Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to identify the relationship between knowledge, self efficacy, and self care behavior regarding foot care among elderly diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.
METHODS
The subjects consisted of 146 elderly with DM. The data collected from February to October 2008 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
The mean scores of knowledge (13.21 +/- 1.99), self efficacy (2.23 +/- 0.54), and self care behavior (2.29 +/- 0.51) regarding foot care were moderate. The level of knowledge was significantly different according to education about DM (p = .012) and drinking (p = .007). Self efficacy was significantly different according to gender (p = .019), educational level (p = .014), spouse (p = .048), disease period (p = .000), admission of DM (p = .000), complication of DM (p = .001), education of DM (p = .023). Self care behavior was significantly different according to educational state (p = .003), disease period (p = .039), and other disease (p = .000). Significant correlations were found between knowledge and self care behavior (p = .001), self efficacy and self care behavior (p = .000), knowledge and self efficacy(p = .012). Knowledge and self efficacy were a predictor of self care behavior (18.2%).
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that perceived knowledge and self efficacy may be necessities to improve self care behavior regarding foot care among elderly DM patients. The above mentioned results will be reflected in developing patient educational programs.

• Keywords: Knowledge; Self efficacy; Self care; Diabetes mellitus