Diet behavior in patients with diabetes in accordance with integrated model of SDT and TPB

Abstract

Background. Optimal blood sugar control include: regular blood sugar monitoring, the use of insulin and/or other diabetic medication, regular physical activity and a balanced diet (AADE, 2014). The aim of the study is to analyze the network of relationships in the integrated model of Self-determination Theory (SDT) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) explaining diet motivation and behavior in patients with diabetes. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 398 patients with diabetes. Among them 42.5 percent) were men and 41.6 percent had Type 1 diabetes. Diet was measured using diet scale from (SDSCA) measure (Toobert et al., 2000), Autonomy Support using HCCQ scale (Williams et al., 1998), Autonomous and Controlled motivation using TSRQ (Williams, 2004). Constructs within TPB were developed on the basis of the recommendations in manuals for researchers (Ajzen, 2006). Findings. Results in the structural equation model (CFI=.95; TLI=.91; RMSEA=.07; SRMR=.06) showed that stronger intentions are related to diabetic diet only in Type 2 diabetes. Higher autonomous motivation is related to diabetic diet in both diabetes groups. Intentions in both diabetes groups are explained by descriptive norms, anticipated disappointment, perceived behavioral control, and autonomous motivation (p<.05). Discussion. Autonomy support stands out as an important factor in building the intentions to follow a healthy diet and relevant behavior. Autonomy support is related to a more healthy diet by strengthening self-determination, which, in turn, strengthens the perceived self-efficacy and awareness that other persons with diabetes also follow a more healthy diet.