Self –care practices among diabetic patients residing in the urban field practice area of a government medical college –a community based –Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Introduction The primary goal of any diabetes treatment is better control of blood sugar levels. Self-care practices were found to be positively correlated with good glycaemic control, reduction of complications, and improvement in quality of life. The objectives of this study is to estimate the prevalence of self-care practices and to explore the facilitating factors and barriers in the self-management of diabetes. Methodology: The study was a community-based cross-sectional concurrent mixed method study done among the diabetic individuals residing in the urban field practice area of a Government Medical College (GMC) during October and November 2023 after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee.The responses of 126 participants were obtained to assess the prevalence of self-care activities using a semi-structured questionnaire. 15 In-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted to know the practices and barriers to self-management of diabetes using an IDI guide. Each interview/discussion was recorded electronically after obtaining verbal consent.Quantitative data was analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software for descriptive statistics. The audio recordings and the field notes were transcribed and translated into English. The data were analysed thematically and were grouped into a few broad themes and sub-themes. Results: The prevalence of self-care practices was high for medication adherence and least for the foot care component. The facilitating factors for increased medication adherence, self-blood glucose monitoring, and changing dietary patterns were increased awareness, fear of complications, and following the doctor’s advice. The barriers to decreased foot care component and physical activity were health concerns, lack of awareness, busy work schedules, and cultural factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of medication adherence and self-blood glucose monitoring was the highest when compared to foot care practices. Our study results emphasized the need for awareness regarding self-care practices among diabetics.

Keywords

• diabetes, diet, foot care, medication adherence, physical activity, self-blood glucose monitoring, selfcare practices.