The relationship between risk perception and self-management behaviors in individuals with diabetes

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between risk perception and diabetes self-management behaviors in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, the associations of risk perception and self-management behaviors with sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics were evaluated. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Erzincan Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital and the Kavakyolu Training Family Health Center. A total of 102 individuals aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least one year, were included in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form, the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ/DÖYS), and the Risk Perception Survey–Diabetes Mellitus (RPS-DM/RAÖ). Non-parametric statistical tests and Spearman correlation analyses were performed, and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Risk knowledge scores of the Risk Perception Survey were positively and significantly associated with the total score and all subscales of the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (p<0.05). Combined risk knowledge was significantly associated only with the physical activity subscale of diabetes self-management (p=0.006). The worry subscale of risk perception showed a significant positive correlation with glucose management (p=0.030). Optimism was significantly associated with the total self-management score, dietary behaviors, and healthcare utilization. The total diabetes self-management score was significantly correlated only with complication duration. No significant association was found between environmental risk perception and diabetes self-management scores. Conclusion: The findings indicate that risk perception, particularly its knowledge-based components, plays an important role in diabetes self-management behaviors. In family medicine practice, balanced and accurate risk communication combined with behavioral support strategies may contribute to improved self-management. Strengthening structured education and counseling interventions in primary care settings may enhance diabetes self-management and overall clinical outcomes.