Authors: Ashfaq F , Manzoor I , Zafar T , Irfan H , Masood H , Ashfaq H

Abstract

Background & Objective: Self-care practices adherence helps diabetics in better glycemic control and prevents complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Worldwide emphasis is being laid down to improve self-care practices among diabetics to reduce associated comorbidities. The objective of this study was to assess the gender difference in self-care practices among diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital, Lahore-Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Diabetic center of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore from 1st January 2018 to 30th August 2018. A sample of 388 participants having either type I or type II diabetes was taken by using non-probability type of consecutive sampling technique. A structured closed ended questionnaire was filled by interview technique, after taking informed consent from the participants. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS Version 24. Data was presented in the form of frequency tables, bar charts and pie charts. Chi square test of significance was applied to assess the gender differences in self-care practices keeping P value at ≤ 0.05 as significant.
Results: Out of 388 participants, 181 (46.6%) were males and 207 (53.4%) were females. Patients affected with type 1 diabetes were 54 (14%) and with type 2 diabetes were 225 (58%) and 109 (28%) participants, were unaware of the type of diabetes they had. Duration of diabetes was more than ten years in 133 (34.2%). Oral hypoglycemic drugs were used by 201 (51.8%) whereas Insulin was used by 186 (47.9%) by the participants. Significant difference was observed in two genders and their self-care practices among the participants. Skipping meal to control diabetes was a common practice amongst female patients (P = 0.011). Usage of artificial sweeteners was more common in males (P =0.025). Use of diabetic diet for maintaining blood sugar level was believed by male participants (P= 0.045). Visit to dietician was considered beneficial by males (P = 0.007).
Conclusion: Self-care practices regarding diabetes differ with gender in Pakistan population. Significant difference was observed in self-care practices among two genders in diabetics attending diabetic center of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore-Pakistan.

Keywords: Diabetes, Self-management, Self-care practices.