Factors associated with self-care behaviors in the elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Adequate self-care behavior in diabetic individuals is essential to reduce the progress of the condition and reduce diabetes related complications. Continued research to understand the factors associated with self-care behaviors is needed in order to reduce health care costs and the social burdens associated with Type 2 diabetes in the elderly. Purpose: This study uses questionnaire Survey to investigate factors associated with self-care behaviors in individuals with diabetes in the elderly. Methods: Researchers used questionnaire survey data analysis on diabetic individuals obtained from Ditmanson Medical Founfation Chia-Yi Christiam Hospital by Diabetes center. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses evaluated the independent factors associated with self-care behaviors. Results: A total of 296 individuals with Type 2 diabetes met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 69.7 years and 54.1% was Female. Results from multiple linear regression analysis indicated self-care behavior as poorer in individuals who smoked cigarettes during the past six months (p = .022), drank alcohol during the past six months (p = .016), and not rearing pets during the past six months. (p = .012). Conclusions / Implications for Practice: Findings from this study can help understand factors affecting self-care behaviors in individuals with diabetes in the elderly. Medical and public health units should focus on providing effective advice on smoking and drinking cessation to individuals with diabetes. We can clarify potential balance between individuals self-care behaviors and their rearing pets in the future study.