Types of Self-Care Recommendations Given for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Attending a Diabetic Clinic in a Selected Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka
Posted: 6 Dec 2019
Date Written: December 4, 2019
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem and a significant issue in Sri Lanka. Health education on diabetes self-care activities for patients with T2DM is an essential part of the clinical management of diabetes. There is a paucity of data regarding the types of self-care recommendations given by healthcare professionals for patients with T2DM in Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the types of self-care recommendations given by healthcare professionals among purposively selected adults with T2DM (n=300). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Ethical approval obtained from the Ethics Review Committees of the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital. Types of self-care recommendations were assessed by using pre-tested diabetes self- care activities questionnaire, which includes recommendations regarding diet, physical activities (PA) self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and testing urine for sugar. Out of 300 participants majority (n=206, 68.7%) were female. More than half (n=158, 52.7%) of the participants had good glycemic control (FBS≤ 126 mg/dl). Most of the participants (99.3%) received at least a single recommendation regarding their diet, and recommendation to eat very few sweets. Less than half (39%) adults have received all the recommendations regarding their PA from the list. Majority of adults (73.3%) have received the recommendations to get low-level exercise (such as walking) daily. Of the sample 67% received a recommendation to use a glucometer to self-monitor their blood glucose levels. Self-care recommendations were not significantly associated with glycemic control. The health professionals need to provide more health education, especially regarding their PA to maintain their self-care activities regularly.
Keywords: type 2 diabetes, self-care, recommendations, Sri Lanka
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