Frequency and factors associated with inadequate self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To investigate the frequency and factors associated with inadequate self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 355 patients with T2DM, using multistage cluster sampling, attending the Najran University Original Article Hospital and Primary health care centres in Najran, Saudi Arabia, from January to May 2019. The assessment of self-care behaviors was conducted using the 16-item diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ). Results: The majority (85.1%) of the patients with T2DM were uncontrolled, 42% were obese, and 5.9% were morbidly obese. Based on DSMQ criteria, the majority of patients (90.1%) had poor self-care behaviors. The mean sum of DSMQ was 5.04 out of 10. Among the DSMQ subscales, health care use had the highest mean score of 5.63, followed by glucose management with a score of 5.12, while dietary control had lower mean scores of 4.96 and physical activity had 4.46, all were inadequate. Being married (OR=2.178, p=0.035) and having DM for more than 5 years (OR=2.711, p<0.006) were the significant independent factors associated with poor self-care behavior. Conclusion: Inadequate self-care behavior is widely prevalent in Najran city, Saudi Arabia. All the DSMQ subscales were poorly managed by most of the diabetic patients. Furthermore, being married and having a longer DM duration are the significant independent factors associated with poor self-care behaviors.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-management in patients with type 2 diabetics

“…The basis of controlling diabetes in those with type 2 diabetes is the possibility of achieving self-management and making this a lifestyle [17]. The restrictions brought in to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a repositioning of health service resources and an interruption of access to care during the pandemic.…”

“…Support from health professionals is important for diabetic patients to develop their self-management. In a study by Khalooei and Benrazavy [17] conducted with diabetic individuals, the state of receiving support from health professionals was determined to be a significant risk factor with regard to diabetes self-management. In the pre-COVID-19 period, routine follow-up and home visits were important strategies to support elf-management.…”

“…This form was prepared by the researchers in accordance with the literature [ 2 , 13 , 14 , 16 ], and consisted of questions on information concerning sociodemographic characteristics and characteristics relating to illness and COVID-19.…”

“…In order for a diabetic individual to be able to carry out selfmanagement, it is of great importance to have sufficient knowledge concerning diabetes management and to always keep blood sugar within normal limits, to have cooperation from family members and the support of physicians and diabetes nurses, and to make self-management skills into a lifestyle and maintain them in order to prevent complications. In this way, the quality of life will be improved [2,13,[16][17][18].…”

“…Holistic self-management in diabetes includes regular glucose monitoring, medical nutrition treatment, adherence to regular drug use, and self-care behaviors ensuring adherence to physical activity [ 11 , 13 ]. Among other factors affecting self-management behaviors in diabetes are diabetes education, the duration of the illness, the presence of comorbid conditions, body mass index (BMI), foot care and smoking [ 16 ]. In order for a diabetic individual to be able to carry out self-management, it is of great importance to have sufficient knowledge concerning diabetes management and to always keep blood sugar within normal limits, to have cooperation from family members and the support of physicians and diabetes nurses, and to make self-management skills into a lifestyle and maintain them in order to prevent complications.…”