Predictive Factors of Diabetes Prevention Behaviors among At-Risk Individuals with Prediabetes in Si Somdet District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to examine knowledge, health beliefs, diabetes prevention behaviors, the relationships between knowledge and health beliefs and diabetes prevention behaviors, and predictive factors of diabetes prevention behaviors among at-risk individuals with prediabetes. The sample consisted of 163 people aged 35 years and older who had been screened and identified as at risk with prediabetes in Si Somdet District, Roi Et Province. Participants were selected using proportional stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

              The findings revealed that most participants had a moderate level of knowledge about diabetes (63.80%). Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to diabetes prevention were at a high level, whereas perceived self-efficacy was at a moderate level. Overall, diabetes prevention behaviors were at a fair level (99.39%). Knowledge about diabetes, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy were positively associated with diabetes prevention behaviors at a statistically significant level (p < .05). Furthermore, knowledge about diabetes, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity jointly predicted diabetes prevention behaviors, explaining 32.90% of the variance (R² = .329, p < .05). Therefore, public health agencies should develop activities to enhance knowledge, perceived risk, and perceived severity of diabetes, together with strengthening self-efficacy in self-care, to promote continuous diabetes prevention behaviors among at-risk groups in accordance with the local context.