Perception of Self-care and Self-care Practice of Diabetic Patients Attending Selected Hospitals in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Patients with diabetes require continuous self-care practice as poor self-care results in complications. This study assessed the perception of self-care and self-care practice of diabetic patients attending selected hospitals in Oyo State, Nigeria. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed and a total of 120 diabetic patients were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Pretested, structured, and interview administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23 to generate descriptive (Mean and standard deviation) and inferential (Chi-square and correlation) statistics. The respondents had a mean perception score of 30.68±7.56. Majority 113(94.2%) of the respondents had poor self-care practices. Respondents’ perception was significantly correlate with patient physical activity (r= 0.184; p=0.004); healthy eating (r=-0.24; p= 0.026); glucose monitoring (r=0.319; p=0.000); compliance with medication (r= 0.438; p = 0.00); risk reduction (r= 0.229; p=0.012) However, patient perception is not correlated with foot care (r= 0.052; p=0.575). Patient’s perception of diabetes is a key determinant of self-care. It is recommended that psycho cognitive interventions are developed to help patients practice the recommended self-care practices.