Factors associated with preventive behaviors for microvascular complications and self-reported neuropathy symptoms among community-dwelling individuals with type 2 diabetes in Thailand

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant public health issue globally, with a high burden of microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Preventive behaviors play a critical role in reducing the risk and progression of these complications; however, the factors influencing such behaviors remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine factors associated with adherence to preventive screening behaviors for microvascular complications and the reporting of neuropathy symptoms among community-dwelling individuals with T2DM in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 individuals with T2DM. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and psychosocial variables, including diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, and diabetes distress. Preventive behaviors and self-reported neuropathy symptoms were assessed using structured questionnaires. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with preventive behaviors and neuropathy symptoms. Statistical significance was defined as a p -value of less than 0.05. Results The average age of participants was 61.07 ± 9.03 years, and a large proportion were female (77.2%). In multiple linear regression analysis, age ( p < 0.05) and gender ( p < 0.05) showed a significant association with eye-related preventive behaviors. Duration of diabetes ( p < 0.05), knowledge of diabetes ( p < 0.05), and self-efficacy ( p < 0.05) were significant predictors of kidney-related preventive behaviors. Additionally, comorbidity ( p < 0.05), diabetes knowledge ( p < 0.001) and diabetes distress ( p < 0.001) showed a significant association with self-reported neuropathy symptoms. Conclusion Community-dwelling individuals with T2DM may have limited knowledge of diabetes, particularly those requiring more complex management. Improving knowledge, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being is important to support preventive behaviors and reduce the risk of microvascular complications.