IJCM₁30A: Self-care practices and its determinants among type 2 diabetics- A cross sectional study

Background: Self-care practices that include self-monitoring of blood sugar level, diet management, physical exercise, adherence to medications, and foot care are the cornerstones of diabetes management. Objective: To assess the self-care practices and factors associated with it among type 2 diabetics Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the 150 known diabetics in a urban PHC between July 2023 and September 2023. Self-care practices among the registered diabetes patients were described in seven domains as recommended by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). Risk factors were identified using univariate, followed by multivariate logistic regression. The risk for poor self-care score was expressed in odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) Results: The mean age of the participants was 57 years (SD: 9.5 years). The self-care was prominent in diet modification, physical activity, and physical activity components. The median self-care score of the participants was 14 (IQR = 12.5 to 15.5). Out of 150 diabetic patients studied, about 48 (32%) participants have good self-care scores, 96 (64%) participants have moderate self-care scores and only 6 (4%) participants have poor self- care scores. Conclusion: Our study emphasized on the need for knowledge and awareness to be provided in urban areas regarding diabetes care management and self- care practices. Structured programs need to be planned to improve the attitude and practices of diabetic patients to promote better compliance towards diet, exercise, adherence to drugs, and appropriate foot care.