RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Factors influencing self-care behaviours of patients with type 2 diabetes in China based on the health belief model: a cross-sectional study JF BMJ Open JO BMJ Open FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP e044369 DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044369 VO 12 IS 8 A1 Hu, Yue A1 Liu, Huijun A1 Wu, Jie A1 Fang, Guixia YR 2022 UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/8/e044369.abstract AB Objectives The study aimed to explore the status and predictors of self-care behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes in China based on the health belief model.Design The cross-sectional study included 1140 patients aged ≥36 years with type 2 diabetes who had established health records in community health service institutions. A questionnaire was designed based on the health belief model, which mainly included perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, effectiveness, sociodemographic characteristics and self-care behaviours.Setting Using a multistage sampling method, 36 villages and communities were randomly selected in China.Participants A total of 1260 patients with type 2 diabetes were contacted, but 118 refused to participate in the study. Of the 1142 participants, two were subsequently excluded, and the final number of participants included in the study was 1140 (90.5% response rate).Results The average score of health beliefs was 0.71 (SD=0.08). The logistic regression analysis showed that sex, region, perceived severity, perceived barriers and perceived benefits were related to self-care behaviours.Conclusions Perceived severity, benefits and barriers were key factors affecting self-care behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes; health education for patients should be strengthened to improve the self-care level of patients with diabetes.Data are available on reasonable request. Data are available on reasonable request, please contact corresponding author.