Pattern of Self-care practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Southwest, Nigeria

Self-care practices in individuals with diabetes are important skills required to effectively prevent, manage, and limit complications associated with diabetes since patients spend considerably less time with health care providers than spend alone to manage their diabetes condition.

The aim of the study was to assess self-cate practices and their determinants among patients with type 2 diabetes. Hence, this study aimed at assessing self-care practices and their determinants among patients with type 2 diabetes.

This cross-sectional, descriptive, multi-center study was conducted among 348 type 2 diabetes patients selected from six tertiary hospitals in Southwest Nigeria. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed for categorical and continuous variables and multivariable logistic regression assessed association between determinant factors and adherence to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).

Of the study participants, 83.1%, 66.9%, 28.4%, and 27.9% adhered to prescribed medications, physical exercise, had meal plans incorporated into their diabetes management and SMBG, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between male gender, duration of diabetes, and previous episode of hypoglycemia with adherence to SMBG practices while lower educational level and use of insulin were associated with less likelihood of adherence to prescribed medications.

The degree to which individuals with diabetes adhered to recommended self-care practice components were less than satisfactory especially SMBG, physical activity, and having meal plans.