Patient activation is associated with healthy behaviors and ease in managing diabetes in an indigent population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of the patient activation construct as measured by the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) survey by correlating PAM scores with diabetes self-management behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge in a predominantly minority and uninsured population.

Methods: A convenience sample of patients presenting to an urban public hospital diabetes clinic was surveyed and contacted by phone 6 months later. The survey included questions about activation, health behaviors, and health care utilization.