Evaluation of Knowledge and Self Care Practices in Diabetic Patients and Their Role in Disease Management
Evaluation of Knowledge and Self Care Practices in Diabetic Patients and Their Role in Disease Management
ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
Correspondance:
Dr. Karam Padma,
Department of Community Medicine,
Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences,
Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh - 505417
Email: karampadma@gmail.com Mobile: 9393014307
ABSTRACT
Background: Poor awareness and practices among diabetic patients are some of the important
variables influencing the progression of diabetes and its complications, which are largely preventable
through education and involvement of the patient.
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetics attending
diabetes clinic in tertiary care hospital. Knowledge and self care practices were evaluated using a
semi structured questionnaire. Statistical methods used included frequencies, proportions and chi
square test.
Results: A total of 117 diabetic patients consented and participated in the study of whom 63 (53.85%)
were male and 54 (46. 15%) female. Majority of the respondents (45.30%) between the age of 41-50
years,75 (64.10 %) belonged to lower class, and 60 (51.28 %) had a duration of disease between 1 to 5
years. 71 (61.68%) were aware of importance of exercise for the control of disease while 88 (75.21%)
said that modification in diet is essential for the control of the disease. 75 (64%) of the respondents
had achieved glycemic control. Among self care practices, following a controlled diet (p = 0.04),
regular exercise (p = 0.04) and compliance with drugs (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the
achieving glycemic control.
Conclusion: As evidenced by the study, patients who were regularly involved in self care practices
have achieved better glycemic control.
Key words: knowledge, self care practices, type 2 diabetes, glycemic control
INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of the diabetes is increasing at an
alarming rate particularly in developing
countries. Estimate of global diabetes prevalence
predict 6.4%, affecting 285 million adults in
2010, and will increase to 7.7% and 439 million
adults by 2030.1 India harbors the largest
number of diabetic patients in the world. The
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported
that the total number of diabetic subjects in
India is 41 million in 2006 and that this would
rise to 70 million by the year 2025.2 Increased
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9 (7.60)
60 (51.28)
33 (28.21)
5 (4.2)
Numbers (%)
78 (66.67)
105 (89.74)
109 (93.16)
71 (61.68)
88 (75.21)
73 (62.39)
88 (75.21)
74 (63.25)
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Table 3: Self care activities and its association with glycemic control
Variables
Test blood sugar regularly
Follow healthful eating plan
Participate in exercise
Good Drug compliance
Check feet
Carry quick acting sugar
Glycemic control
achieved (75)
68
62
35
57
13
35
CONCLUSION:
As evidenced by the study, patients who were
more self aware about the disease, having
knowledge and regularly involved in self care
practices achieve better glycemic control and
better management of the disease. Regular
inculcation of health education, making the
patient aware regarding the disease and
encouraging self care management during
treatment will reduce health care burden and
help achieve optimal control of the disease with
minimal long term complications.
Glycemic control
not achieved (42)
38
27
11
23
2
15
2.
3.
0.76
0.04
0.04
0.03
0.09
0.34
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
REFERENCES:
1.
P value
4.
LIMITATION:
Glycemic control was evaluated based on
Fasting blood sugar. Data regarding self care
practices was mainly on verbal responses.
Total
(n=117)
106
89
46
80
15
50
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