Assessment of self care activities among diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital of Kashmir

Abstract

Background: Diabetes being a chronic disease leads to catastrophic life-threatening complications. Although glycemic control is central to optimal diabetes therapy, Self-care behavior is an important factor to prevent or delay such complications and improve the quality and productivity of life.
Aims and Objectives: The study was undertaken to assess self-care activities among patients of diabetes mellitus and to provide awareness to diabetic patients regarding self-care activities.
Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study
Participants: Diabetic Patients
Method: The study was conducted on a sample of 300diabetic patients attending the OPD of the Department of endocrinology SKIMS. The data was collected regarding socio-demographic profile, Disease profile, and Self-care activities on the pretested questionnaire. The weight, height, and blood pressure of the study participants were measured by standard procedures. Appropriate statistical tests were used for analysis.
Results: It was found that physical activity, three monthly monitoring of blood sugar, and medication adherence were satisfactory in 79.7%, 96%, and 87% respectively however the dietary behavior and foot care practices were satisfactory only in 39% and38.6% respectively. Most of the self-care practices were found to have a significant association with the younger age, male gender, urban dwellers, education, occupation, nuclear type of family, and upper and middle socioeconomic class. Participants following good self-care practices had significantly good glycemic control.
Conclusion: Self-care activity was satisfactory in almost all aspects except dietary behavior and foot care practice.

Implications: Diabetes self-care education program should concentrate particularly on areas like dietary practices (meal plan), risk reduction behaviors especially foot care practices, problem-solving skills, and stress coping.