Self-care, Self-efficacy, and Glycemic Control of Koreans With Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in diabetes-related characteristics, self-care, self-efficacy, and glycemic control of Koreans with diabetes mellitus according to the types of health care providers in Korea.

A total of 175 patients with Type II Diabetes were included in the analysis. Using SPSS WIN 10.0 program, χ(2)-test and t-tests were performed to answer the research questions.

Forty-five percent of the participants received specialist care by endocrinologists at secondary or tertiary hospitals and 55% had general physician's care at public health centers. Participants who were cared for by specialists had higher educational levels and better annual household incomes than those that were cared by generalists. Participants receiving specialist care were more likely to have insulin therapy, exercised more regularly, and smoked less than those receiving generalist care. Participants within the specialist groups performed self-care better, reported better self-efficacy in diabetic management, and displayed better glycemic control (blood-glucose levels and HbA1c) than those in generalist group.

The study represents the possibilities in healthcare disparities within Korea. Further study is warranted to explore the specific aspects of service disparities and possible methods of intervention to reduce the variations in health care service. [Asian Nursing Research 2009;3(3):139-146].