Abstract:
The objective of this quasi-experimental research was to assess the effectiveness of
and empowerment program with goal setting to enhance self-care behaviors of Type II
diabetes patients. The sample comprised 80 diabetes patients who attended Special Diabetes
Clinic, Outpatient Department, Somdejprajoataksinmaharaj hospital. Control factors were
used to select and the subjects they were assigned into two equal groups, an experimental and
a comparison group. The experimental group received the program activities 4 times at one
month intervals while the comparison group received regular services from the clinic staffs.
Interview questionnaires, regarding general information, knowledge about diabetes, perceived
self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors in relation to blood sugar control were used to collect data.
Results of the study showed that after the experiment, the experimental group had
significantly better knowledge about diabetes, perceived self-efficacy in performing diabetes
control behaviors, and behavioral practices regarding eating, exercises, and taking prescribed
medicine than before the experiment as well as than those of the comparison group (p<0.001).
Fasting Blood Sugar level of the experimental group were also significantly decreased
compared to those before the experiment and those of the comparison group (p<0.001).
These results indicate that the empowerment program with goal setting activities made the
diabetes patients in the experimental group better perform self-care practices about eating,
exercises, and taking prescribed medicine. The proper self-care practices resulted in
significant decreasing of blood sugar level that aided the prevention of complication from
diabetes. Therefore, this program should be applied for diabetes patients who can not control
their blood sugar level.