Abstract: Objective: To explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between diabetes related distress and self management in empty nest elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 347 cases of empty-nest elderly patients with type 2 diabetes from two general hospitals were investigated using the Self-Efficacy for Diabetes (SED), the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Results: Totally 68.59% of patients suffered from diabetes related distress. There was significant relationship between self-efficacy, diabetes related distress and diabetes self-care activities (P<0.001). Self-efficacy played as the mediator between diabetes related distress and self management. Conclusion: Diabetes related distress is common amongst empty nest elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.The level of their self management and self efficacy is low. Self-efficacy plays a totally mediating effect between them.

Key words: self-efficacy; empty nest elderly; diabetes mellitus; diabetes related distress; self management; mediating effect