To investigate the associations between illness perceptions, God locus of health control (GLHC) beliefs, and self-care behaviours in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 115 adults with T2D in a Saudi Arabian diabetes clinic. illness perceptions, GLHC beliefs, and self-care behaviours were assessed using the Arabic versions of the Brief illness Perception Questionnaire, God Locus of Health Control, and Summary of diabetes Self-Care Activities. Logistic and linear regressions were conducted. Greater perceptions of personal control (OR = 2.07, .045) and diet effectiveness (OR = 2.73, .037) were associated with higher odds of adhering to general diet. Greater perceptions of diet effectiveness ( = 0.27, = .034) and better understanding of T2D ( = 0.54, < .001) were significant independent predictors of fruit and vegetables intake and exercise respectively. patients with lower GLHC beliefs (OR = 4.40, .004) had higher odds of adhering to foot care than those with higher GLHC beliefs. illness perceptions and GLHC beliefs did not predict adherence to a low-fat diet, self-monitoring of blood glucose, or not smoking. Greater perceptions of personal control, coherence, diet effectiveness, and lower GLHC beliefs were associated with higher adherence to self-care behaviours in Saudi patients with T2D. Interventions designed to promote self-care behaviours in Saudi patients with T2D could focus on addressing these perceptions.
