Yaşlı Diyabetli Hastaların Hastalık ve Sağlığa Ilişkin Tutumları

Abstract

This research was conducted in order to determine the attitudes of elderly patients with diabetes towards illness and health. Sample of this study consists of 70 patients that applied to Hacettepe University Adult Hospital Geriatrics Polyclinic. The research data was collected by utilizing ?Introductory Information Form? that was prepared basing on literature by the researcher and ?Health Belief Model Scale? which was validated by Kartal and Özsoy (2007). At the end of the study elderly individuals? attitudes toward illness and health were determined in low levels and as negative. In the study, it was also found that the most affected dimension was the perceived seriousness of Health Belief Model.Mean score of perceived seriousness of individuals aged 65-70 years, educated higher than secondary education and previously employed; mean scores of perceived obstacles of elderly patients who declared economic status and accordance to diabetic diet well/very well, and checking blood sugar regularly and exercising regularly were found to be higher and statistically significant. Also mean scores of perceived benefits and recommended activities related to health of elderly patients needing more education were significantly higher. In accordance with results it can be recommended that the elderly with gender of women, who is senior, has low level of education, has lower socioeconomic status, has bad/moderate accordance with diet and treatment, and who needs more education about diabetes should be dealt primarily.