Factors Related to Food Consumption Behavior With Type II Diabetic Patients*

Abstract

This survey research aimed to investigate the factors related to food consumption behavior of
the patients with type II diabetes who received medical services at Mitrmaitree Internal Medicine Clinic.
The samples were composed of 282 persons who were diagnosed to be type II diabetics, aged 35
years and higher. PRECEDE Model was applied as the conceptual framework. The data were collected
by using interviewing schedule composed of questions in regard to the following information :
personal data; knowledge about food consumption behavior; self-efficacy; perceived health status;
access to food sources; food consumption skills’ social support and food consumption behavior.The
data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics in regard to arithmetic mean, median, percentage,
and standard deviation. Analytical statistics were also employed in regard to Chi-square and Pearson’s
Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.
The results showed that : the predisposing factor in regard to a demographic characteristic,
occupation, related significantly with food consumption behavior (p<0.001) ; the psychological
factors in regard to knowledge perceived self-efficacy, and perceived health status were found to
relate significantly with food consumption behavior (r=0.345; p<0.001, r=0.421; p<0.001and
r=0.266; p<0.001 respectively); regarding the enabling factor, access to food sources, was found to
relate negatively with food consumption behavior (r=-0.182; p=0.002); and the reinforcing in
regard to social support was also found to relate negatively with food consumption behavior (r=-
0.144 ; p=0.016)
From these results, it is recommended that health education program emphasizing
development of perceived self-efficacy, correct knowledge about food consumption behaviour,
perceived health status about their diabetes mellitus. Besides, a training program should be
organized for family members who can be the important organization’s resources to support
desirable behavioral changes