This study aimed to determine the psychosocial self-efficacy of patients in Zamboanga City Medical Center currently diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type II. Specifically, this study was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic and at the IM-Out Patient Department and utilized the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Tool. This tool was designed by the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center and is used to quantify the psychosocial self-efficacy of diabetic patients. Majority of the respondents at that time period (December 2015-February 2016) were empowered with their scores categorized as “High” (104-140 score) with Setting and Achieving Diabetes goal domain considered to be an important area in managing their disease condition. This study also aimed to establish relationship between demographic variables and its DES scores. It was found out that age (r=-0.23, p=0.03) and duration of years being diabetic (r=-0.48, p=0.00) have inverse association with DES Scores. On the other hand, educational attainment (r=0.56, p=0.00) has a positive and direct association with the DES scores. Further, it also aimed to determine relationship of metabolic control (HbA1c levels) and their corresponding DES scores and it revealed an inverse relationship and showed that an increase in empowerment scores would result in the decrease in HbA1c level or better diabetes control. Therefore, patients who are collaborating actively in decision-making and are empowered to control and manage their condition show better diabetes control. Moreover, factors such as age, duration of years diagnosed and educational attainment should be considered for they also affect the psychosocial self-efficacy of a patient.

Keyword: Psychosocial self-efficacy of patients Type II diabetes mellitus