BACKGROUND
The prevalence of diabetes is steadily increasing in Korea. The increase of people with diabetes will ultimately result in taking a turn for the worse, not only affecting the health of the people, but there will be an increase of social finances. This study was aimed at investigating the factors influencing adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. METHODS: Data was collected by questionnaires from 332 diabetic patients who were visited out-patient clinics, with 323 finally selected for the study. The data was analyzed by the SPSS program. RESULTS: The level of knowledge on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus was 18.02 points space(maximum 24 points). The level of hardiness was 119.80 points(maximum 240 points). The level of adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus was 49.11 points(maximum 75 points). The score of knowledge and hardiness showed a significant correlation with adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. The significant predictors influencing adherence to preventive behavior were treatment, knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus, and hardiness. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that treatment, knowledge, and hardiness are significant influencing factors on adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. The results of this study will contribute to developing a program for people with diabetes.