Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find the sociopsychological factors predicting the intention of compliance with the dietary regimen in diabetes with a questionnaire. Data were collected from 282 adult noninsulin-dependent diabetics in Seoul, Kyoggida, and Kyongsangbukdo in Korea. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted with predictor variables from theories of the Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Model, The Theory of Reasoned Action, and Social Support. The behavioral intention of compliance with the prescribed diet was the independent variable. Subjects norm self-efficacy knowledge about diet therapy, outcome expectation, relationship with medical team, threat of deterioration of disease, and social support were the independent variables, The mean score of behavior intention was high ie 35.3 out to 42. Subjective norm and self-efficacy were the significant variables to predict the intention of dietary compliance. These variables comprised 39% of the common variance. To increase dietary compliance by influence of the referents and improve self-efficacy significant referents must be included and concrete and practical methods to follow the dietary regimen must be provided in nutrition education.

• Keywords: dietary compliance; non-insulin-dependent diabetics; behavior intention; social cognitive model; the theory of reasoned action; social support