Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading non-communicable disease in India and contributes to 34% of mortality. Optimal management of DM involves a multipronged approach due to diverse factors including lifestyles, culture, myths, and socioeconomic condition. Self-care practices go a long way in the prevention of complications and improving quality of life.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the self-care practices among type 2 adult diabetic populations in a tertiary health-care setting.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on type II adult diabetic subjects in a tertiary care hospital. A pre-tested, structured pro forma was used to collect the baseline data and self-care practices including knowledge of the disease, dietary practices, exercise, habits, health-seeking practices, complications, and prevention of complications. Chi-square test and descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS (17.0).
Results: A total of 101 patients were studied where 60% of them were males; 57% had diabetes history of >5 years, 44% overweight, and 16% obese. Knowledge about the disease such as risk factors (59%), complications (67%), and dietary practices (92%) was good. Self-care practices were poor with 17% following strict diet, 7% exercised regularly, and 52% of them got their blood glucose monitored periodically. 21% of them never took care of their feet, and up to 96% of them never carried diabetes identification card. The self-care practices were significantly better among literates as compared to illiterates.
Conclusion: Although the awareness of the disease and complications is good, self-care practice is poor among the study population.
Key words: Self-care Practice; Diabetic Mellitus; Tertiary Care Hospital; Knowledge
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