Exploring effects of self-management on glycemic control using a modified information-motivation-behavioral skills model in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Shanghai, China: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe original information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model has been verified in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, but the effects of the model on glycemic control remain unclear. The aim of this study was to modify the IMB model to explore the effects of self-management on glycemic control in T2DM patients in Shanghai, China. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on participants recruited using a convenience sampling method between June and August 2015 in three tertiary hospitals and four community health service centers; 796 participants meeting the inclusion criteria (age 18 years and a diagnosis of T2DM) completed a questionnaire and blood test for glycemic control. Structural equation models were used to test the IMB framework. ResultsThe modified model demonstrated an acceptable fit of the data. Paths from information to self-management behaviors ( = 0.119, P = 0.001) and HbA1c ( = -0.140, P < 0.001), from motivation to behavioral skills ( = 0.670, P < 0.001), from behavioral skills to self-management behaviors ( = 0.562, P < 0.001), and from self-management behaviors to HbA1c ( = -0.343, P < 0.001) were all significant and in the predicted direction. Information and motivation varied with each other (r = 0.350, P < 0.001). ConclusionsGlycemic control can be incorporated into the IMB model. The utility of the modified model in the study population is validated. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor control of glucose levels may be a better target population for application of the modified IMB model.