Perceived challenges in diabetic care: A cross sectional study among in-patients of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: India recognized as capital for diabetes in world accounts for 69.2 million cases i.e. 8.7% as per the 2015 International Diabetes Federation Data. Despite the availability of efficient medications the mortality and morbidity due to the disease is increasing. Therefore the current study was carried with an aim to identify the barriers of access to care. Objective: To identify the socio-cultural, economic and educational barriers in continuum of treatment among diabetics. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Mysore. Diabetic patients admitted in the hospital were considered for the study. Results: There was no fear of stigma among the participants. 80% of the patients were dependent either economically or physically on their family members, amongst which only half of them got the required family support. 83% of the participants felt that travel to hospital, stay and other expenses were adding on to their existing financial burden of direct and indirect economic loses. The proportion of people among literates who had good knowledge was higher as compared to illiterate but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Counselling sessions must be provided both in hospital and community based setting to enhance health literacy among diabetics.