The relationship between religious orientation and Self-care practice in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease and one of the biggest health problems in countries. Self-care is known as a health-promoting behavior. According to the studies, spiritual beliefs affect health behaviors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between religious orientation and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes having referred to diabetes clinic in Bojnurd city. This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 196 patients with type 2 diabetes who had referred to the Diabetes Clinic in Bojnurd city through available sampling method. Data collection tools included the demographic data, and two standard questionnaires; Toobert’s self-care and Alport’s religious orientation. Data were entered into SPSS 18 software and were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test and correlation coefficient. The results of this study showed that the mean score of self-care was 26/7±14/43, and that of internal and external religious orientation were respectively 22/34±6/09 and 33/97±10/64. Self-care had a significant relationship with external religious orientation, but was not related to the internal religious orientation. Age and education had a significant relationship with self-care and external religious orientation. According to the results of this study, holding religious events, even for pretension purposes will lead to the increase in self-care in diabetic patients. Therefore, in addition to the current, it is recommended to include religious-cultural programs as well as common programs of the health centers to improve self-care conditions in people with type 2 diabetes.