A study in Indonesia sought to determine whether social support promotes self-efficacy and reduces stress responses of patients with diabetes in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. One hundred and twenty-five diabetic outpatients at Dr. Sardjito Hospital voluntarily participated in a questionnaire survey. The questionnaires included the scales and subscales of social support, self-efficacy, psychological stress response, and demographic measure. Data were analyzed to examine the relationships between parameters, and to compare the scales by characteristics, and structural equation modeling to explore the best-fit model. It was found that augmentation of emotional support to patients significantly increased the 'active coping for the disease' and 'controllability of health', and that 'helplessness' was reduced significantly. Behavioral support affected only 'controllably of health'. Self-efficacy reduced stress response of the patients. It was also found that subjects who received support from their children significantly scored higher in perceived availability of social support than those without support from their children.

WHAT THIS STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU: The authors concluded that behavioral support and emotional support were areas to focus on in future research. We hope that the research incorporates the development and testing of effective self-management programs.

S Kanbera et al. Social support, self-efficacy and psychological stress responses among outpatients with diabetes in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice, February 7, 2008.