Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition which can result in severe long-term complications if not managed efficiently, leading to debilitating effects and death. The management of diabetes pervades all aspects of an individual's life and many lifestyle changes may be necessary. Compliance with behavior changes will require education and self-efficacy (Chan & Molassiotis, 1999). According to Pender's (1996) Health Promotion Model, a healthy lifestyle is influenced by self-efficacy behaviors. The purpose of this one group pre-test-post-test study is to examine differences in healthy lifestyle behaviors before and after a self-efficacy focused diabetic education program for newly diagnosed diabetics. The sample will consist of 50 Type 2 diabetics who were diagnosed within the previous 6 months. The sample will be recruited from individuals referred to a community based diabetic education program. Healthy lifestyle will be measured by the Healthy Lifestyle Profile before and after a self-efficacy based diabetic education program. The protection of the human subjects will be ensured. All information will be anonymous. Findings will provide information for health care professionals about a self-efficacy enhanced educational program for newly diagnosed diabetics enhance healthy lifestyle.