Characterization of Perceptions Toward Diabetes Mellitus and Self-Care Practice Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Visiting Jimma University Medical Center:ApplicationofExtended Parallel Process Model

Abstract

Background:Self-care behaviors reduce complications and improve quality of life among diabetic patients. Researches are limited on how patients’ access, process, and respond to diabetic self-care messages in Ethiopia. Objective: To determine response to self-care practice message among diabetic patient in Jimma University Medical center based on the Extended Parallel Process Model Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients in Jimma University Medical centerfromApril 12- May 25, 2020. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire developed based on the constructs of the Extended Parallel Process Model and by reviewing literatures. Data were entered using Epi data version 3.1 then analyzed using SPSS version 23. Frequency, proportions, and summative scores were calculated as descriptive statistics. Analysis of variance and independent sample t-test was done to test differences in perceptions (perceived threat and perceived efficacy) by sociodemographic variables and to see self-care practice differences by threat/efficacy interaction. Multivariable logistic regression was performed and a p-value of less than 0.05 and odds ratio was used to show the degree of association between the independent and the outcome variable. Result:in this study the prevalence of controlling the danger of diabetes was 49.6%. 21.3%of the respondents were responsive, 17.8% belong to fear control, 23.3%were proactive and37.6% were no response respondents. Those who completed higher education scored high in both perceived threat and efficacy score compared to those who cannot read and write. Responsive respondents scored high in self-care practice score as compared to other respondents. educational status, information sources, knowledge, and preferred message appeals were independent predictors of controlling the danger of diabetes. Conclusion and recommendation: There is a significant gap in controlling the danger of diabetes.Variables like the level of education, knowledge of diabetes mellitus, information sources, and message appeals were independent predictors of controlling the danger of diabetes. designingmessage having higher efficacy while maintaining the level of threat is the best that fits the existing audience's message processing to bring about desired diabetic self-care Practice