Self-Care Practice and Its Predictors Among Adults With Diabetes Mellitus on Follow Up at Public Hospitals of Arsi Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM)is a chronic illness that requires ongoing patient self-management and support to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. The objective of the study was to assess diabetic self-care practice and its predictors among adults with DM on follow up at hospitals of Arsi zone, southeast Ethiopia. Results: Above half (53.3%) of diabetic patients had good self-care practice. Younger age (AOR: 8.95, 95% CI: 1.89,42.48), earning high income (AOR: 2.495, 95% CI: 1.0,5.85), having family history (AOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 15.5), long duration of diagnosis (AOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.127, 4.05), not having diabetic complications (AOR: 3.87, 95% CI: 2, 7.48) and having glucometer (AOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.78l, 9.33)were significantly associated factors with good diabetic self are practice. Efforts should be made to prevent complications and to support patients who are aged and who have not glucometer at their home to promote good self-care practice. Particularly, health care providers should give special attention for newly diagnosed patients.