The risk factors for self-monitoring of blood glucose among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Lack of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a known risk factor for controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, little research has been conducted on SMBG among Saudis with T2DM. Aim: The study aimed to investigate personal and cognitive-perceptual factors for SMBG among Saudis with T2DM guided by Health Promotion Model. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 808 Saudi adults with T2DM utilizing secondary data from the Saudi Health Interview Survey for 2013. Statistical Analysis: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to examine the risk factors for SMBG among Saudis with T2DM. Results: The prevalence of SMBG was 55.5% in Saudi adults with T2DM. In the multivariate analysis, obesity (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.20), middle (APR = 1.30) and higher (APR = 1.49) education where predictors of SMBG, whereas shorter diabetes duration (APR = 0.78 for <5 years and 0.78 for 5–9 years) and Eastern region (APR = 0.66) were inversely associated with SMBG. Conclusions: The study suggested the future design of interventional programs related to self-care practices should focus on diabetic individuals with low education, obesity, and longer duration of diabetes, and regional differences, specifically when considering limited access to health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, longitudinal studies with a large sample size at national and regional levels are needed to further examine the personal and psychological risk factors in Saudis with T2DM.