ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic progressive metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia mainly due toabsolute (Type 1) or relative (Type 2 DM) deficiency of insulin hormone. There are seven essential self care behaviour which predict good outcomes in patient living with diabetes. They include healthy eating, being physically active, risk reduction behaviors, monitoring of blood sugar, compliant with medication, good problem solving skills and healthy coping skills.
Objective: This study is aimed at assessing self-care behaviour among diabetic patient attending a tertiary facility.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the out-patient department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria. 216 patient with diabetes participated in the study and data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using a spss version 22. The practice of self care will be measured and descriptive statistical analysis performed.
Result: A total of 216 patients participated in the study, of which (34.5%) were aged between 55-64 years, Majority(55%) where female, 63.2% where married, 32.7% had post secondary education while 44.1% earned between 21000-50000.
Majority(50%) had diabetes for more than 3years, 56.4% did not know the type of diabetes, 54.1% had fair understanding of diabetes, 55.2% had no chronic complications while 93.6% had been instructed on diabetic care.
On self-care behaviour, 93.2% had received diet counselling, 42.7%were commited to their meal plan, 33.2% ate food or beverages containing sugar, 56.8%strictly followed their dietary recommendations while 56.8% ate food that made it easier to achieve optimal blood sugar.
On physical activity, 50% engaged in physical activity, 51.8% diabetes patient exercised often, 38.6% engaged in physical activity to achieve optimal blood sugar level while 40.9% avoided physical activity even though it improved glycemic control.
Majority 95.5% tested their blood for sugar(SMBG), 53.1% tested their blood sugar once/twice a week, 45.5% kept record of their blood sugar range, 36.4% often had high blood pressure few times in a month, 51.4% did not test their urine for sugar, 96.8% took pills for their diabetes, 42.7% did not experience side effect from their medication, 59.1% did not take insulin while 46.1% had their insulin filled or administered by a doctor.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of self-care int he management of diabettes mellitus. From the study there was good self-care practices among diabetic patient attending a tertiary care facility.
