WHAT FACTORS ARE INVOLVED IN THE KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR THE SELF-MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC-PATIENTS

The aim of this study is to obtain data for improving a training progr am for patients with diabetes mellitus. One hundred eighty-seven patie nts with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were tested with 20 q uestions about their knowledge for self -management of diabetes mellit us. Then to draw out factors in their personal backgrounds relating to their correct answers, multiple regression analyses were conducted. A s a result, four factors showed significant differences in the followi ng order: Educational careers > ages > duaration of disease > socioeco nomic strata. The results of the present study have shown for the firs t time. that these four factors closely concern patients to acquire th e necessary knowledge for their self-management of the disease. In add ition, this study has raised some fundamental problems regarding the t raining program for patients: how education should be given to patient s.