Self-efficacy, self-care behavior, anxiety, and depression in Taiwanese with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional survey

The relationships between self-efficacy, self-care behavior, anxiety, and depression for Taiwanese individuals with type 2 diabetes were determined in this study. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms that can contribute toward adverse medical outcomes. A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used. The sample comprised 201 patients with type 2 diabetes from diabetes outpatient clinics at three teaching hospitals in Taiwan. The results of this study revealed that people with diabetes who had received diabetes health education, regularly made clinical visits, underwent treatment, and did not smoke demonstrated a high self-efficacy score (P<0.05). Self-efficacy among people with diabetes positively correlated with illness duration (P<0.05), treatment (P<0.01), and self-care behavior (P<0.01). Self-efficacy among people with diabetes negatively correlated with anxiety and depression (P<0.01). Self-efficacy can be a predictor of anxiety and depression (P<0.01). This study revealed that enhancing self-efficacy levels might reduce anxiety and depression. Self-efficacy-enhancing programs should be held regularly in clinical practices. Conducting psychological research on diabetes drives policy and healthcare system change.