Table 2

Theory of Planned Behaviour measures of belief and intention towards taking oral glucose-lowering medications

Variable name
Number of items†
Sample question

Direct attitude
2
It is beneficial for me to take my diabetes medicines without missing a day
Direct subjective norm (injunctive)
2
Most people who are important to me think I should take my diabetes medicines without missing a day
Direct subjective norm (descriptive)
1
If they were taking part in this study, most people who are important to me would take their diabetes medicines without missing a day
Direct perceived behavioural control
3
It is difficult for me to take my diabetes medicines without missing a day
Indirect attitude
7
If I were to take my diabetes medicines without missing a day, it would keep my diabetes under control
Indirect subjective norm (injunctive)
3
Members of my family or close relatives would approve of me taking my diabetes medicines without missing a day
Indirect perceived behavioural control
4
Changes to my daily routine would make it more difficult for me to take my diabetes medicines without missing a day
Intention
2
I intend to take my diabetes medicines without missing a day

†Each measured on a 7-point scale from 1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree

Farmer et al. BMC Family Practice 2008 9:20   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-9-20