Assessment of knowledge, attitude and self-care activities among type-2 diabetic patients attending a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Poor awareness, negative attitudes and inadequate self-care 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 attitude towards making lifestyle changes were evaluated using a semi structured questionnaire. To assess the diabetes self-care activities associated with glycemic control the Diabetes Self-care Management Questionnaire consisting of four subscales ‘Glucose management’, ‘Dietary control’, ‘Physical activity’ and ‘Health Care Use’ was used. Results: A total of 61 diabetic patients consented and participated in the study of whom 56.66% were male and 43.33% female. Majority of the respondents (33.30%) were in the age group more than 60 years, 43.3 % belonged to upper middle class, 21.3 % were obese and majority had duration of disease between 5 to 10 years. Only 30 % of the total diabetic patients had achieved good glycemic control. There was a significant difference between knowledge (p <0.05) but not attitude towards self-care activities between the glycemic controlled versus the uncontrolled diabetic patients. Among self-care practices, following a controlled diet (p <0.05) and observing strict glucose management (p <0.05) were significantly associated with achieving glycemic control. Conclusions: As evidenced by the study, patients who were regularly involved in self-care practices (especially dietary control and glucose management) achieved better glycemic control. Therefore, interventions to increase diabetic patient self-care behaviour are needed to reduce poor glycemic control.