Self-care practices of Chinese individuals with diabetes

  • Authors:
    • Yujuan Zhou
    • Li Liao
    • Mei Sun
    • Guoping He
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  • Published online on: February 5, 2013     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.945
  • Pages: 1137-1142
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the self‑care practices of Chinese individuals with diabetes. Data were collected from 163 Chinese individuals with diabetes using a one-to-one interview approach. The Chinese version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) was used to assess diabetes-related knowledge and self-care practices. The majority of participants were aware of the importance of self-care in managing diabetes. However, only 70 participants (43%) scored >50% in the diabetes-related questionnaires. Mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were higher (P<0.04) for participants who had extra meals per day (46%). The majority of participants took oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs; 60.1%) and some were also treated with OHA-insulin combination therapy (17.8%). Participants with medication adherence (52%) tended to have lower FBG levels. Only 13% of participants practiced self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). The predictors of a knowledge deficit or poor self-care were a low level of education (P<0.01) or old age (older than 53 years old; P=0.002). Deficits in diabetes-related knowledge and self-care practices existed among the majority of patients with suboptimal blood glucose control. The understanding of the importance of self-care practices requires improvement in individuals with diabetes. The development of effective education strategies to improve the awareness of self-care practices by Chinese individuals with diabetes is necessary.
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April 2013
Volume 5 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Zhou Y, Liao L, Sun M and He G: Self-care practices of Chinese individuals with diabetes. Exp Ther Med 5: 1137-1142, 2013
APA
Zhou, Y., Liao, L., Sun, M., & He, G. (2013). Self-care practices of Chinese individuals with diabetes. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 5, 1137-1142. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.945
MLA
Zhou, Y., Liao, L., Sun, M., He, G."Self-care practices of Chinese individuals with diabetes". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 5.4 (2013): 1137-1142.
Chicago
Zhou, Y., Liao, L., Sun, M., He, G."Self-care practices of Chinese individuals with diabetes". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 5, no. 4 (2013): 1137-1142. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.945