Paper Title
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PERCEIVED SELF-EFFICACY OF THE PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN A NORTHEASTERN PROVINCE IN THAILAND

Abstract
Abstract: This research aims to study knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived abilities in the context of changing health care behaviors that affect the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). It applies the concept of self-efficacy to modifying health carebehaviors. Methods: The study sample consisted of 30 type 2 diabetes patients who had difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels, aged between 60 - 69 years, residing in Renu Nakhon district, Nakhon Phanom province. They were selected using purposive sampling between July and August 2023. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which was divided into 5 sections: general information, self-care health behaviors, self-efficacy, diabetes knowledge (in the Thai language), and attitudes towards diabetes. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: A majority of the sample group were female (76.67%), about 60% had a family history of diabetes. In terms of self-care health behaviors, the majority scored at a high level, with 83.33% (M = 2.84, SD = 0.38). Regarding self-efficacy, the average score on the Stanford Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale is 4.03 (SD = 0.67). Regarding diabetes knowledge, out of 23 questions, there were 10 questions where more than 50% of the sample group answered correctly or higher. As for attitudes towards diabetes, it was found that the attitude level was in the moderate range, with 53.33% (M = 3.56, SD = 0.41). Conclusions: These findings can be used as a guideline for changing the health behaviors of type 2 diabetes patients who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. It is advisable to promote self-efficacy, health knowledge, and positive attitudes among individuals with type 2 diabetes to facilitate behavior modification. Keywords - Type 2 Diabetes, Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy, Health Behavior Modification