Self-Efficacy and Diabetes Self-Management in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE | This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature on the relationship between self-efficacy and diabetes self-management in middle-aged and older adults in the United States and to determine whether the relationship applies across race and ethnicity. METHODS | Study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. Studies published between 1990 to 2018 that investigated self-efficacy and diabetes self-management in middle-aged and older adults were searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Social Science Citation Index, Cochrane Library, and Academic Search Complete. Only quantitative studies were included. RESULTS | Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies found significant association between self-efficacy and at least one self-management behavior, which included exercise, healthy diet, adherence to medication, blood glucose testing, and foot care. Findings were mixed regarding the role of self-efficacy in exercise and medication adherence. Higher self-efficacy in Mexican Americans predicted better self-management behaviors, whereas no relationship between self-efficacy and diabetes self-management was found in a sample of Black and White participants. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed. In general, the included studies demonstrated moderate methodological quality. Their limitations included inconsistency in the self-efficacy measures, a lack of longitudinal studies, and confounding bias. CONCLUSION | Self-efficacy has significant effects on self-management in middle-aged and older adults, but the effects may differ by race. Efforts to improve self-efficacy and deliver culturally appropriate services could potentially promote self-management behaviors in middle-aged and older adults with diabetes.