Health-Promoting Lifestyles and Awareness of Diabetes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Jordan

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluates the association between health-promoting lifestyles and diabetes knowledge with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling and a structured interview questionnaire consisting of the following measures: demographic and clinical characteristics, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II, diabetes knowledge questionnaire, and laboratory measurements.  Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: The study included 248 participants recruited from four public hospitals. The results indicated a deficit in several aspects of diabetes knowledge and a suboptimal adoption of health-promoting lifestyles. The findings showed that 81.5% of the sample had non-optimal glycemic control as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Health-promoting lifestyles predicted optimal glycemic control, while insulin use was a statistically significant predictor for non-optimal glycemic control.

Conclusion: Most participants did not have their diabetes controlled and their diabetes knowledge and health-promoting lifestyles were suboptimal. Health promotion education and strategies to enhance health-promoting lifestyles and diabetes management are essential to patients so that they become confident about managing their diabetes.