The article Theory of Planned Behavior, an intervention designed to improve health literacy and self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes, addresses a very important topic. The basis of this article is the Theory of Planned Behavior, which promotes better patient care. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease caused by the human body’s inability to produce enough insulin or use it effectively. People with type 2 diabetes must receive treatment to control their insulin and blood sugar levels. In the case of this chronic illness, the theory of planned behavior appears in context as a change in the patient’s perception.
Planned behavior theory is a psychological theory that links beliefs to behavior. The theory posits that three basic components, namely attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, together shape human behavioral intentions. The TPB principle is that behavioral intention is the closest determinant of human social behavior. According to Planned Behavior Theory, it is believed that patients can cope with their illnesses, manage them, and demonstrate behavioral change by adapting to illness with the help of nursing counseling (Zeidi et al., 2020). The importance of patient follow-up again comes to the forefront regarding the problems that can arise in people with chronic illnesses.
American social psychologists Isaac Eisen and Martin Fishbein are among the most famous and influential proponents of rational behavior. These authors believe that attitudes of consciousness directly influence behavior and that research procedures can detect this influence (Zeidi et al., 2020). The only problem is to specify both attitudes and behavior with high precision. This requires a careful analysis of the following four factors.
- Action. Here one determines what type of behavior is being carried out. It can be a specific political or economic behavior or interpersonal interaction.
- Object. This determines what object the behavior is directed at a particular political candidate, some commodity, or a loved one.
- Context. Here is the context in which the behavior is carried out: in what specific political system – totalitarian or democratic, in what economic situation – with or without sufficient means, in public or in an intimate setting.
- Time factor. The specific timing of the behavior is analyzed: for example, immediately, in a year, within a few years, or on a certain date.
Eisen’s idea was to include perceived behavioral control in TPB. Human behavior is defined by three considerations: behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs. Collectively, behavioral beliefs produce favorable or unfavorable attitudes toward behavior, normative beliefs lead to a subjective norm, and control beliefs relate to perceived behavioral control.
The article accurately describes the principle of using this theory for patients with type 2 diabetes. Is the application of the theory of planned behavior effective in the treatment of this disease?
The article has a clear formulation of all theoretical issues and is arranged logically. The consequences and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, the influence of patient literacy on the development of the disease, and studies among patients are described. Elements of the theory of planned behavior can be found in my clinical practice. The patient’s awareness and ability to self-determine help contribute to effective treatment, so it is applied very widely. In my practice, this theory is often applied to patients who suffer from chronic diseases. The theory includes general patient designation in the provision of necessary care. Patients with type 2 diabetes will learn to measure blood glucose and compare it with standards, take care of their feet, assess breathing and heart rate, and count calories.
Applying the theory of planned behavior is impossible for patients with disabilities. They cannot provide care, so the responsibility rests entirely with the physician. In part, this theory can be applied to patients who suffer from mental disorders, depending on the degree of illness and condition of the patient. Fully TPB can be applied by physicians to patients with chronic illnesses who are lucid and able to care for themselves.
The most rewarding aspect of this nursing practice is that the patient takes responsibility for himself and can prolong his life through his actions. In the area of chronic illness, it is the most used and appropriate than in others. This theory can and should be used in contemporary nursing practice in general. The area of skill acquisition by patients will work very well, but changing attitudes about illnesses will not. The challenges in implementing this theory in nursing practice can be the age of the patient and the abandonment of unhealthy habits. Young patients are most aware of self-care, whereas older patients find it difficult. Giving up previous lifestyles can be stressful for patients, so many resist, which can affect treatment.
I recommend using this practice most often because the effectiveness of the treatment depends directly on the patient’s behavior. My suggested change, in theory, could be the development of additional material to change the patient’s attitude toward the disease. It is necessary that the patient not only has a set of knowledge in this area but also understands the seriousness and effectiveness of self-care.
In the field of chronic illness, it is the theory of planned behavior that is key. This theory is appropriate for patients with type 2 diabetes, as the patient needs to comply with treatment norms. From this article, I have learned that the theory of planned behavior is very important during patient care. It affects the patient’s safety, well-being, life expectancy, and perception of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, but proper and timely care will help prolong a person’s life, avoid deterioration of well-being, and function most fully in society.
Reference
Zeidi, I. M., Morshedi, H., & Otaghvar, H. A. (2020). A theory of planned behavior-enhanced intervention to promote health literacy and self-care behaviors of type 2 diabetic patients. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 61(4), E601. Web.