ASSOCIATION OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL  CHARACTERISTICS WITH SELF-CARE BEHAVIOR IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Amit Kumar  Mishra; Praveen  Kumar; Manoj Kumar  Choudhary

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1125

Authors

Amit Kumar Mishra Additional Professor, Department of General Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India.
Praveen Kumar Professor, Department of General Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
Manoj Kumar Choudhary Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1125

Keywords:

Self-care behavior, Diabetes, Glycemic control

Abstract

Background:

Self-care behavior improves diabetes and prevents the progression and worsening of the outcomes of this disease. There is a lack of consistency in the research about how self-care impacts patients with diabetes in the Indian setting. This study was carried out to find the association of demographic and clinical characteristics with self-care behavior in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Method:

This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Department of General Medicine IGIMS. The duration of this study was from December 2023 to February 2024. There were 100 participants selected from those visiting the IGIMS general medicine department for follow-up of diabetes. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, duration of diagnosis, literacy, BMI, smoking history, and treatment received were recorded. Lab reports were reviewed for diabetes-related complications and HbA1c. Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (SDSCA) was used to determine details regarding self-care. Association was determined statistically.

Results:

The study quantitatively analyzed the impact of self-care behaviors among 100 diabetic patients. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations: patients engaging in consistent self-care behaviors—such as non-smoking, adhering to diet and exercise regimes, and using oral hypoglycemic agents—had lower HbA1c levels, with an average decrease of 0.5% compared to those with poor self-care practices (p < 0.05). Furthermore, better self-care scores were inversely correlated with the presence of diabetes-related complications, emphasizing the critical role of self-management in diabetes control.

Conclusion:

From this study, it is found that patients with lesser HbA1C are more inclined towards self-care habits that help in the management of diabetes.

Recommendation:

Self-care habits prevent the worsening of diabetes. It should be recommended and encouraged for each diabetic individual.