Factors affecting the relationship between doctor and patient and their effects on the self-care behaviors of type II diabetes patients referred to the health houses under the supervision of Abyek health center

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in the world. The most important factor in controlling the disease is self-care. If there is interaction between patient and service providers, it would ultimately contribute to the better control of diabetes. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between doctor and patient and self-care behaviors. The present study is a cross-sectional analysis. 500 out of 752 diabetic patients were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires containing demographic information, self-care behaviors, patient health and doctor and patient relationship. Frequency tables, chi-square, independent t and ANOVA tests were used to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics and self-care. Also, multiple linear- regression was used to predict the affecting factors on the self-care. There was a significant association between doctor and patient relationship and parameters like age, presence of diabetes complication and symptoms of depression. Doctor and patient relationship after the duration of diabetes was the strongest predictor of self-care behavior. Doctor and patient relationship could predict self-care behaviors in type II diabetes patients. One factor influencing the doctor-patient relationship is the patient’s lack of access to a specialist. Therefore, it is suggested to conduct a similar study in urban areas and examine the doctor-patient relationship and its impact on the self-care behaviors.