Current status and associated factors of self-management behaviors in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the east of Guangdong China

Abstract

Objective To investigate the self-management behaviors in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in east of Guangdong Province and its related factors. Methods Adults with T1DM were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from July 2010 to July 2013. The Chinese version Scale of the Diabetes Self-Care Activities (C-SDSCA) was used to assess self-care behaviors. Demographic data of clinical parameters were collected. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c, %) was used to evaluate whether or not glycemic target was achieved (HbA1c≤7%). The relation between all dimensions of C-SDSCA and clinical parameters, such as HbA1c, were analyzed by Spearmen rank correlation analysis. Results A total of 86 adults with T1DM were enrolled in this study. The mean HbA1c level was 9.7%±2.5%. Only 15.1% (13/86) of the participants had achieved glycemic target. The total score of self-management behaviors was 34.9±10.6. Among them, 50 (58.1%) cases showed moderate level in self-management and none of them got higher level. The dimension scores of diet and medications behaviors were higher, while foot care and blood glucose monitoring were lower. The level of HbA1c and the dimension scores of diet behaviors were negatively correlated (r=-0.23, P=0.04). Conclusion The self-management behaviors and glycemic control in adults with T1DM in east of Guangdong province still has room to improve. Strengthening diabetes education may improve glycemic control in these group of patients. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 1; Self-care behaviors; Glycemic control