Examination of attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of the elderly with diabetes based on the health belief model

Abstract

This study aims to determine the attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of the elderly with diabetes and its theoretical structure was based on the Health Belief Model. The cross-sectional study was carried out with 82 elderly volunteers. The data were collected with a descriptive and semi-structured form. Individuals’ level of following-up blood glucose and ability to monitor other early signs and symptoms was found to be moderate and elderly expressed ‘activity loss’ and ‘changes in body image of considering barriers’. It can be said that elderly compliance to the treatment was good and that the beliefs about disease are affect to cope with the disease, the seriousness, the behaviours and the perceived benefit.Keywords: Elderly, diabetes mellitus, beliefs, health belief model.