The Effect of Social Support on Treatment Adherence and Self-Efficacy in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To determine the effect of social support on adherence to treatment and selfefficacy in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in at a university hospital’s inpatient diabetes clinic between January 2022-April 2022. The sample size of the study was determined as 431 as a result of the power analysis. In the study, Descriptive Characteristics Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Adherence Scale to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Treatment and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale for Patients with Type 2 DM were used as the data collection tools. Results: It was determined that social support had positive effects on self-efficacy (p < 0.05). It was determined that social support had positive effects on treatment adherence (p < 0.05). Education level, complication, glycated haemoglobin A1c and body mass index were effective on self-efficacy of the patients. Education level, and complication were effective on treatment adherence of the patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that social support had a positive effect on the self-efficacy and treatment adherence of the patients. It may be asserted that improving social support of the patients after they were diagnosed with diabetes was beneficial during the disorder and may enhance self-efficacy and treatment adherence levels of the patients.