Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Preventive Health Screening Behaviors Among Type 2 Diabetics

Abstract

Preventive health screening behaviors are vital for preventing complications among diabetics. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which constructs of the social cognitive theory (SCT) predict preventive health care screenings in type 2 diabetics. Adults with type 2 diabetes (n=148) were recruited from medical clinics to complete a 41-item valid and reliable instrument. Data were analyzed using logistic and multiple linear regression. The constructs self-efficacy and self-control, along with the variables education and diabetes education status, accounted for 16.2% of the variance. Overall, constructs from social cognitive theory were not strong predictors in this study.