To address the global health concern of disease prevalence, it is imperative to implement effective health promotion strategies that aim to enhance knowledge and foster responsible behavior toward well-being and illness prevention (Garrett et al., 2019). The management of diabetes in the adult population of Hong Kong holds significant significance within the realm of health promotion strategies due to the substantial prevalence of the condition and its detrimental impact on public health. This study explores the importance attributed to diabetes management in the context of Hong Kong, identifies the demographic group most likely to derive advantages from health promotion initiatives, and conducts a comprehensive analysis of the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical framework for this purpose.
The Rationale for the Poster
The diabetes burden in Hong Kong is a persistent and significant health issue that necessitates prompt intervention due to its extensive implications. The Department of Health’s Population Health Survey (PHS) provides statistical evidence that indicates a concerning prevalence of diabetes in the area (Quan et al., 2017, p. 903). According to the research conducted by Wu et al. (2020), the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among individuals aged 15-84 was determined to be 8.5%. Furthermore, the study revealed a higher incidence of this condition among males than females (p. 1). According to Wu et al. (2020), individuals aged 65 to 84 exhibit a notable prevalence rate of diabetes, amounting to 19.0% (p.1). These numerical findings underscore the imperative of implementing effective diabetes management strategies, particularly among the elderly.
Enhancing diabetes management is imperative for mitigating the health hazards associated with the condition. According to the research conducted by Yang et al. (2020), individuals with diabetes who implement efficient management strategies demonstrate enhanced control over their blood glucose levels, reduced susceptibility to complications, and overall improvement in their health and quality of life. The prioritization of diabetes management activities is crucial within the adult population in Hong Kong due to the significant impact of the disease on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, as well as its association with an increased incidence among older individuals (Yeung et al., 2017, p. 66).
Target Audience
The primary focus of this study pertains to the audience, with particular attention given to their needs, preferences, and behaviors. Additionally, ethical considerations are of utmost importance in this research, as it examines potential moral dilemmas and adherence. Diabetes control initiatives are designed to target both the general population and caregivers as their intended audience. The prevention and management of diabetes rely on implementing public education initiatives and awareness campaigns (Hung et al., 2022). The involvement of familial support and healthcare professionals is of great significance in diabetes self-management (Schulman-Green et al., 2021, p. 58). Caregivers who have undergone formal training in diabetes management demonstrate enhanced capabilities in assisting their patients, promoting medication adherence, and mitigating the probability of complications.
The ethical considerations surrounding diabetes care revolve around ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all patients, enabling them to benefit from the available resources (Fung et al., 2018). The aforementioned ethical obligation underscores the importance of guaranteeing equal access to healthcare for all individuals, aligning with principles of justice, equity, and entitlement to health. According to Braverman (2023), neglecting this ethical consideration may lead to divergent health outcomes, exacerbated health inequities, and a decline in the overall well-being of individuals with diabetes.
Health Belief Model (HBM)
According to Luquis and Kensinger (2019), the Health Belief Model (HBM) has demonstrated efficacy as a theoretical framework for enhancing health and well-being among adults in Hong Kong diagnosed with diabetes. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is grounded in examining individuals’ cognitive processes, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns in managing diabetes. The inclination of individuals to engage in proactive measures is contingent upon their subjective assessments of their susceptibility and the gravity of the ailment (Mohammadi et al., 2018). To enhance individuals’ perception of their vulnerability and the seriousness of diabetes, it is imperative to provide educational interventions that address the prevalence of the disease and its associated ramifications.
The Health Belief Model (HBM) is significantly impacted by the patient’s perception regarding the benefits and limitations associated with different strategies for diabetes care (Mohebbi et al., 2019). The motivation of individuals to engage in preventive measures can be enhanced by emphasizing the positive consequences of adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors. These benefits include improved glycemic management, decreased likelihood of adverse outcomes, and overall improvement in health (Park et al., 2018, p.4058). Simultaneously, addressing prevalent barriers such as limited knowledge, time constraints, and inadequate healthcare accessibility may facilitate individuals in modifying their behaviors and enhancing their overall health.
The Health Belief Model (HBM) emphasizes the importance of cues to action to promote individuals’ engagement in health-promoting behaviors (Luquis & Kensinger, 2019). Additional stimuli from sources outside of an individual’s internal awareness, such as initiatives aimed at promoting well-being and prompts from healthcare professionals, can complement internal indicators, such as the emergence of symptoms or the recognition of the necessity for medical intervention. According to Park et al. (2018), strategies such as routine screenings, educational programs, community-based efforts, and reminders for medication adherence and lifestyle changes have been proposed as effective prompts for managing diabetes (p. 4060). Individuals residing in Hong Kong who experience diabetes and utilize these cues demonstrate elevated engagement, motivation, and proactivity levels in managing their healthcare.
Self-efficacy, defined as an individual’s confidence in their ability to engage in a health-related behavior effectively (Saghafi-Asl et al., 2020, p. 8), is a significant component of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Promoting self-efficacy in individuals with diabetes can be enhanced by providing the necessary information, skills, and resources to effectively manage their condition (Yao et al., 2019). Educational programs, self-monitoring instruments, social support networks, and access to healthcare professionals who can offer guidance and motivation are all illustrative instances (Luquis and Kensinger, 2019).
In order to effectively address diabetes control in Hong Kong, health promotion strategies should be designed with consideration for the city’s diverse population while also accounting for modifiable variables. The impact of an individual’s characteristics, socio-demographic factors, and environmental circumstances on health-related beliefs and practices has been identified by Lee et al. (2019). Hence, when formulating diabetes treatment strategies for adult individuals in Hong Kong, it is imperative to consider cultural perspectives, linguistic barriers, socioeconomic status, and healthcare accessibility. Enhancing the efficacy and relevance of communication can potentially improve the effectiveness of health promotion interventions for the heterogeneous population of individuals with diabetes in Hong Kong. This can be achieved by customizing the interventions to cater to the unique requirements and situations of the target audience.
Conclusion
Consequently, the management of diabetes among adult individuals in Hong Kong is predominantly dependent on health promotion initiatives. The utilization of the Health Belief Model aids in comprehending individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and motivations pertaining to the management of diabetes. According to Gong et al. (2022), health promotion initiatives implemented in Hong Kong can enhance the awareness of individuals with diabetes regarding their condition, facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles, and ultimately contribute to increased longevity. Nevertheless, it is imperative to consider the distinct needs of the target population and to confront ethical dilemmas associated with equitable healthcare provision to achieve favorable outcomes (Fung et al., 2018). This article provides a comprehensive examination of diabetes care for patients. It emphasizes the significance of health promotion strategies for the adult population in Hong Kong through the incorporation of critical analysis and theoretical concepts.
Reference list
Braveman, P., 2023. The social determinants of health and health disparities. Oxford University Press.
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=51KjEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Braveman,+P.,+2023.+The+social+determinants+of+health+and+health+disparities.+Oxford+University+Press.&ots=5YGNL4EGok&sig=Z_yk4w9uDlY-DydtTeR6WTM8SWU
Fung, A.C., Tse, G., Cheng, H.L., Lau, E.S., Luk, A., Ozaki, R., So, T.T., Wong, R.Y., Tsoh, J., Chow, E. and Wing, Y.K., 2018. Depressive symptoms, co-morbidities, and glycemic control in Hong Kong Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9, p.261.https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00261
Garrett, J.K., White, M.P., Huang, J., Ng, S., Hui, Z., Leung, C., Tse, L.A., Fung, F., Elliott, L.R., Depledge, M.H. and Wong, M.C., 2019. Urban blue space and health and well-being in Hong Kong: Results from a survey of older adults. Health & Place, 55, pp.100-110.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.11.003
Gong, L., Jiang, H., Wu, X., Kong, Y., Gao, Y., Liu, H., Guo, Y. and Hu, D., 2022. Exploring users’ health behavior changes in online health communities: Heuristic-systematic perspective study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(18), p.11783.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/18/11783
Hung, H.H., Chan, E.Y., Chow, E.Y., Chung, G.K., Lai, F.T. and Yeoh, E.K., 2022. Non‐skilled occupation as a risk factor of diabetes among the working population: A population‐based study of community‐dwelling adults in Hong Kong. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(1), pp.e86-e94.https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13415
Lee, R.L., Chien, W.T., Tanida, K., Takeuchi, S., Rutja, P., Kwok, S.W. and Lee, P.H., 2019. The association between demographic characteristics, lifestyle health behaviors, and quality of life among adolescents in the Asia Pacific region. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(13), p.2324.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2324
Luquis, R.R. and Kensinger, W.S., 2019. Applying the health belief model to assess prevention services among young adults. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 57(1), pp.37-47.https://doi.org/10.1080/14635240.2018.1549958
Mohammadi, S., Karim, N.A., Talib, R.A. and Amani, R., 2018. The impact of self-efficacy education based on the health belief model in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled intervention study. Asia Pacific Journal of clinical nutrition, 27(3), pp.546-555.https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.572006342690944
Mohebbi, B., Tol, A., Sadeghi, R., Mohtarami, S.F. and Shamshiri, A., 2019. Self-management Intervention Program Based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Quazi-Experimental Study. Archives of Iranian Medicine (AIM), 22(4).
Park, S., Lee, J.L., In Sun, J. and Kim, Y., 2018. Knowledge and health beliefs about gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancy’s breastfeeding intention. Journal of clinical nursing, 27(21-22), pp.4058-4065.https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14539
Quan, J., Li, T.K., Pang, H., Choi, C.H., Siu, S.C., Tang, S.Y., Wat, N.M.S., Woo, J., Johnston, J.M. and Leung, G.M., 2017. Diabetes incidence and prevalence in Hong Kong, China during 2006–2014. Diabetic medicine, 34(7), pp.902-908.
https://hub.hku.hk/bitstream/10722/238600/1/content.pdf?accept=1
Saghafi-Asl, M., Aliasgharzadeh, S. and Asghari-Jafarabadi, M., 2020. Factors influencing weight management behavior among college students: An application of the Health Belief Model. PLoS ONE, 15(2), pp.1-15
https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/73326667/file-libre.pdf?1634847690=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DFactors_influencing_weight_management_be.pdf&Expires=1689872840&Signature=BDgRguMoLU216Z1-nr1Bgv3kNtbbkYeGXrkVECXsmmhXYSYMzD2Q3UlN46fdq0LuUIqz1I1VU03Cp1SsWG4dKRdqCA3CA44Jhb5uM-iqG0YzICOaLnVyeHyHuvk-qkdde2hB5q07gk4kkCuEca-n9KOjJtwO37c6yVXvq1E7VWw8HP67-drdbn4bsPraosXPM8VM0u6Jo3jx5kUtQ-WDfEqHyzg2J8yFmh6R3YsEYZto3azG5SZ67Kj-UkAbV56n7y6i5r09neauDP2ahLhUP13EgDW4PDf35CYLV~9zw-VoG0KW4V0tXQAOi03DLCMiI9zV7WP5TbMlVPTW9Poryg__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
Schulman-Green, D., Feder, S.L., Dionne-Odom, J.N., Batten, J., En Long, V.J., Harris, Y., Wilpers, A., Wong, T. and Whittemore, R., 2021. Family caregiver support of patient self-management during chronic, life-limiting illness: a qualitative meta-synthesis. Journal of family nursing, 27(1), pp.55-72.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8114560/
Wu, H., Lau, E.S., Yang, A., Ma, R.C., Kong, A.P., Chow, E., So, W.Y., Chan, J.C. and Luk, A.O., 2020. Trends in diabetes-related complications in Hong Kong, 2001–2016: a retrospective cohort study. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 19(1), pp.1-11.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-020-01039-y
Yang, A., Wu, H., Lau, E.S., Ma, R.C., Kong, A.P., So, W.Y., Luk, A.O., Chan, J.C. and Chow, E., 2020. Trends in glucose-lowering drug use, glycemic control, and severe hypoglycemia in adults with diabetes in Hong Kong, 2002–2016. Diabetes Care, 43(12), pp.2967-2974.https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-0260
Yao, J., Wang, H., Yin, X., Yin, J., Guo, X. and Sun, Q., 2019. The association between self-efficacy and self-management behaviors among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. PLoS One, 14(11), p.e0224869.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0224869
Yeung, R.O., Yin, J. and Chan, J.C., 2017. Integrated diabetes care in Hong Kong: from research to practice to policy. Integrated diabetes care: a multidisciplinary approach, pp.65-85.
http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/72286/1/73.pdf.pdf#page=76
write