| Clients' motivation to adopt and maintain positive health practices is a primary concern of health care professionals. Knowledge regarding individuals' levels of intrinsic motivation and the interaction of motivation with other variables may assist in explaining health-related behavior and enable the development of educational interventions to enhance motivation toward positive health practices. This study examined the relationship among demographic variables, health status, health behavior, and intrinsic motivation for health in 172 adults with diabetes mellitus. The descriptive, cross-sectional research involved secondary analysis of data derived from a two year study of smoking cessation in diabetes.;Patients were surveyed using the Health Self-determinism Index (HSDI), a reliable measure of intrinsic motivation, with the subscales judgment, behavior, competency, and internal-external cue responsiveness assessing four separate dimensions. Data were also collected on demographics, health status, and health behavior.;The SPSS-X computer program was used to conduct descriptive and inferential data analysis. The results of the study revealed significant associations between intrinsic motivation, demographics, health status, and health behaviors. HSDI scores were significantly related to age, education, obesity, glycated hemoglobin (GHb), number of diabetes complications, and general feeling of health. Self-determination in judgment was associated with age, education, decreased vision, and GHb. Perceived competency was significantly related to education, obesity, general feeling of health, exercise, and smoking. Specific diabetic complications were also associated with intrinsic motivation and competency.;Results of the study suggested that older and less educated clients may prefer educational interventions that include more direction from health care professionals. Clients with acute and chronic diabetic complications or decreased general feeling of health may benefit from education tailored to lower levels of intrinsic motivation and perceived competency. Educational programs designed to modify lifestyle behaviors such as exercise or smoking need to emphasize strategies to increase perceived competency. |
