The Relation Between Patient Empowerment and Self-Efficacy in The Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Followed Up in Primary Healthcare Services

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to analyze the relationship between patient empowerment and self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes followed up in primary healthcare services. Methods: Voluntary 289 diabetes patients were included in the study whose sample consisted of diabetes patients living in Melikgazi, Kayseri. As data collection tools in the study, a questionnaire that includes questions related to demographic-socio-cultural characteristics of the patients and information about the diabetes disease, Patient Empowerment Scale, and Self-Efficacy Scale were used. Within the scope of the descriptive features of the findings; number and percentage distributions as well as mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum values are shown. In comparisons between groups, independent two-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for quantitative variables. Results: A positive relationship was found between the patients' self-efficacy levels and their levels of being affected by the patient empowerment activity. Moreover, it was distinguished that demographic changes also changed self-efficacy and empowerment positively. Furthermore, it was observed that the impression of their illness in diabetes patients affected their self-efficacy perceptions, while the positive attitude towards empowerment also affected the level of self-efficacy. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is expected that the results of the research will provide important information to decision-makers, health managers, and health workers about the effectiveness of extra work to regard supporting medical treatment in the fight against chronic diseases, especially diabetes. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, empowerment, self efficacy