EFFECTS OF AN APPLICATION OF SELF-EFFICACY PROMOTION WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT TO PROMOTE BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL REDUCTION IN THE WORKING-AGE DIABETIC RISK GROUP, KHON KAEN PROVINCE
Keywords:
Health Education, Self-Efficacy, Social Support, Health Behaviors, Prediabetic StateAbstract
The working-age population is facing a continuously increasing risk of developing diabetes. Modifying health behaviors can effectively reduce this risk. This quasi-experimental research aimed to investigate the effects of a program applying self-efficacy enhancement combined with social support to promote blood sugar reduction among working-age individuals at risk of diabetes. The sample consisted of 60 working-age individuals at risk of diabetes, equally divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a comparison group (n = 30). The experimental group participated in a blood sugar reduction promotion program for 10 weeks. Data were collected using questionnaires and health behavior logs. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Paired t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that after the experiment, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in various parameters compared to the comparison group (p < 0.001). These included outcome expectations (Mean diff. = 6.42, 95% CI: 4.62 to 8.22), perceived self-efficacy (Mean diff. = 4.72, 95% CI: 3.12 to 6.32), and blood sugar control behaviors (Mean diff. = 3.87, 95% CI: 2.38 to 5.36). Furthermore, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels (Mean diff. = -12.57, 95% CI: -16.64 to -8.50). Regarding the changes in blood sugar level proportions, the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant improvement (MH = 18.54, p < 0.001). The majority (76.67%) had their blood sugar levels decrease to the normal range, while only 23.33% remained in the at-risk group. In conclusion, the applied program successfully improved the participants' blood sugar levels, allowing them to return to the normal range. Primary healthcare facilities can implement this program for individuals at risk of diabetes to further reduce their blood sugar levels.
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