Perception and attitude of type 2 diabetic patients toward insulin therapy in the primary care of National Guard for Health Affairs (NGHA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose/Background: Our study explores and determines the perception toward insulin among patients with diabetes in the National Guard for Health Affairs (NGHA), Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and aims to gain insight into the causes of refusal. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are likely to need the use of insulin to keep blood glucose levels within normal range and delay the onset of diabetes-related problems. Individuals with diabetes may be hesitant to begin insulin therapy if they have a negative attitude toward it, which might add to the delay in beginning treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the primary healthcare centers of the NGHA in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire that was divided into three sections, with a total of 32 questions. The first section concerned demographic data, the second part was directed toward insulin users, and the last section was directed toward non-insulin patients. Results and Conclusion: Our study collected 314 responses. Males constituted 54.8% of participants and insulin users resembled 45.7%. According to our study, important deterrents to starting insulin therapy among non-insulin users included the following: the cost of insulin, the pain associated with injections, the difficulty in maintaining food control while on insulin treatment, scarring at the injection site, and the weight gain impact. Factors that were found to influence compliance to insulin therapy among insulin users included fear of weight gain and self-administration of insulin.