The status of self-care behaviors among type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study

Maryam Nikbina; Kobra Doostifar; Rusdiana Rusdiana; Ahmad Moradi; Tayabbeh Marashi; Mohammad Nikzadian

Maryam Nikbina Department of Midwifery, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
Kobra Doostifar Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
Rusdiana Rusdiana Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Ahmad Moradi Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
Tayabbeh Marashi Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Nikzadian Department of Medical Emergecies, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran

Keywords: self-care, behavior, type 2 diabetes, patient

Abstract

Performing self-care behaviors is an essential method that helps the patient to control and manage the disease. The present study was conducted to determine the status of self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this cross-sectional study, 322 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to comprehensive health centers in Andimeshk city, Iran, were examined. The required data were collected through socio-demographic questionnaires and the summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) measure. The total self-care score was 59.32±18.54 and at an average level. The highest score was related to the specific diet aspect, and the lowest was assigned to the foot care aspect. Less than a quarter (23.91%) of the patients reported a good self-care level. It seems necessary to plan for continuous and permanent training about self-care activities in patients with diabetes mellitus.