Effects of Depression, Patient Activation, and Family Support on Patient Role Behavior of Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose: To examine effects of depression, patient activation, and family support on patient role behavior of old adult patients with diabetes mellitus.Methods: A descriptive research design was used with a convenience sample of 131 elderly patients. Data were collected from Feb. 23, 2023 to Apr. 18, 2023 using self-reported questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Patient role behavior was negatively correlated with depression (r=-.32, <i>p</i><.001) but positively correlated with patient activation (r=.55, <i>p</i><.001) and family support (r=.18, <i>p</i>=.038). The following factors affected the performance of geriatric nursing: patient activation (β=.38, <i>p</i><.001), sex (β=.30, <i>p</i><.001), diabetic-educated experience (β=0.26, <i>p</i><.001), and depression (β=-.19, <i>p</i>=.013). These factors explained 31.0% of the variance.Conclusion: To enhance patient role behavior of old adult patient with diabetes mellitus, developing individualized patient activation intervention programs and a depression prevention program that considers characteristics of patients is necessary.