Health Belief Model about Diabetes Mellitus in Thailand: The Culture Consensus Analysis(cid:31)
Tanaporn Ratanasuwan, MD*, Saowanin Indharapakdi, MD*, Rumpeung Promrerk, B Nursing*, Tanes Komolviphat, B Econ**, Yaiwan Thanamai, MD*
Affiliation : (cid:31) This study was funded by Department of Medical Services Research Fund for the year 2003, the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand * Internal Medicine Unit, Lerdsin Hospital, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health ** Nursing Unit, Lerdsin Hospital, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health ** The National Statistical Office, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Thailand
Background : Diabetes is a chronic disease, which requires patient participation. The outcome of treatment
depends on the patient health belief model (HBM) and illness perception.
Objective : To evaluate the HBM and illness perception in diabetic patients by culture consensus analysis model.
Materials and Methods : Fifty diabetic patients were randomly selected at the out patient diabetic clinic from
4 hospitals, Maharaj Lampang hospital , Maharaj Nakorn rachasrima hospital, Hadyai hospital, and Lerdsin
hospital to represent 4 regions of Thailand. Data from each patient was collected by using questionnaire.
Anthropac version 4.98 was used to do consensus analysis
Results : Two-hundred diabetic patients from four political regions were assessed. Only Songkla culture
showed a diabetes heath belief pattern at the eigenvalue ratio at 3.8 and competency score at 0.72 + 11
(mean + SD). This pattern was created because Sonkla had more diabetes knowledge sources compared to
other regions (p = 0.01). The ability of Songkla member to fit in the group was not related to any medical and
socioeconomic factor (p > 0.05). The authors postulated that past experience or culture might determine this.
Songkla diabetes beliefs were described and compared to biomedically correct information. The treatment
process based on HBM and illness perception concepts were also discussed. The result of the research led to
a Lerdsin diabetes self help group in the hospital.
Conclusion : From this study, Thailand does not have HBM about diabetes mellitus. Only the Songkla
community does. Past experience and culture might determine the pattern of HBM in this community.
Keywords : Health beliefs, Diabetes mellitus, Illness perception, Culture consensus
