Self-Care Practices among Diabetic Patients in Selected Sub-Metropolitan Cities of Nepal
Supendra Karki *
OPJS University, Churu, Rajasthan, India.
Srijana Pandey
Department of Community Medicine, KIST Medical College Teaching Hospital 44700, Nepal.
Purusotam Raj Shedain
Chief Hospital Development and Curative Services Division, Ministry of Social Development Bagmati Province Hetauda Nepal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Diabetes self-care requires a multipronged approach, wherein the diabetic patient has a significant role to play. This study was undertaken to explore self-care practices of diabetic patients residing in two sub-metropolitan cities of Nepal.
Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from March 2019 to June 2020.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was done among 415 diabetic patients aged above 25 years. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire was adopted and making necessary contextual to collect the data. Descriptive statistics along with association between means, t-tests and ANOVA were calculated and a p < 0.05 was considered significant for data analysis.
Results: Regarding the diabetes self-care activities in different domains with respect to sociodemographic independent variables, blood sugar testing and foot care was a statistically significant associated with education i.e. (p= 0.018) and (p=0.003) simultaneously. The study also reveals that specific diet, physical activity/exercise and blood sugar testing are significantly associated with HbA1c of diabetic patients. i.e. (p=0.003), (p=0.004) and (p=0.037) respectively.
Conclusion: The general awareness regarding both general and specific diet, physical activity/exercise, blood sugar testing, foot care and medications were poor in our study. More strategies need to be explored to make sure patients adhere to self-care activities.
Keywords: Diabetes care, HbA1c, self-management, self-care practices.