Exploring Barriers and Predictors of Diabetes Self-Care Management Among Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Telipok Health Clinic, Sabah
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63719/johm.v23i1.236Keywords:
diabetes self-care management, type 2 diabetes mellitus, barriers, predictors, family support, comorbidities, primary careAbstract
Background: Despite advancements in diabetes management, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continue to face significant challenges in adhering to Diabetes Self-Care Management (DSCM). This study aimed to (a) assess the level of DSCM among outpatients with T2DM, (b) determine key demographic and clinical barriers influencing DSCM, and (c) identify significant predictors of poor DSCM that may impede effective glycaemic control and increase the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted on 56 T2DM outpatients at Telipok Health Clinic, Sabah. The summary of the Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire was used to assess DSCM across five domains. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the samples and analyse the level of DSCM. Barriers to DSCM were identified using the Chi-square test. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of poor DSCM.
Results: A total of 56 patients with T2DM participated in this study. The majority were female (51.8%), aged 26 – 80 (55.59 ± 13.60). Only 26.8% of the respondents demonstrated good DSCM. The education level, duration of diabetes, lack of family support, and the presence of comorbidities showed statistically significant barriers influencing DSCM. Among these, lack of family support and the presence of comorbidities emerged as important predictors of poor DSCM.
Conclusion: This study highlights that DSCM remains a significant challenge for many patients. Key barriers identified include educational background, duration of diabetes, lack of family support, and the presence of comorbidities. Notably, lack of family support and comorbidities were significant predictors of poor DSCM, underscoring the multifaceted nature of diabetes self-management. It is essential to address these factors to enhance diabetes management. Interventions should be tailored to individual needs, with a focus on strengthening social support systems and managing comorbid conditions. Further research is warranted to explore targeted and culturally relevant strategies that can effectively overcome these barriers and enhance DSCM outcomes in primary care settings.
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