[Factors associated with self-care behaviors in middle-aged adults and elderly with diabetes mellitus].

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adequate self-care behavior in diabetic individuals is essential to reduce the progress of the condition and reduce diabetes related complications. Continued research to understand the factors associated with self-care behaviors is needed in order to reduce health care costs and the social burdens associated with diabetes. PURPOSE: To investigate factors associated with self-care behaviors in individuals with diabetes in the community. METHODS: Researchers used secondary data analysis to assess survey data on diabetic individuals obtained from the Community Integrated Screening conducted by the Meishan Township Public Health Center and adult health examinations. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses evaluated the independent factors associated with self-care behaviors. RESULTS: A total of ninety-seven individuals with Type 2 diabetes met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 67.1 years and 37.1% was male. Results from multiple linear regression analysis indicated self-care behavior as poorer in individuals who drank alcohol during the past six months (p=.001), smoked cigarettes during the past six months (p=.015), and/or practiced religious or spiritual beliefs (p=.003). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Findings from this study can help understand factors affecting self-care behaviors in individuals with diabetes in the community. Medical and public health units should focus on providing effective advice on smoking and drinking cessation to individuals with diabetes. Units should also clarify potential conflicts between individuals' self-care behaviors and their religious or spiritual beliefs.