Self-care knowledge among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in UiTM Clinical Training Centre (CTC), Sungai Buloh: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease requires continuous medical interventions coupled with patient-driven self-care activities performed outside of clinic setting. Despite the availability of different medicines, less than a quarter of patients in Malaysia achieved good glycaemic control. Therefore, self-care practices among Malaysians with diabetes mellitus urgently need to be explored.
Objectives: This study aimed to (1) assess self-care knowledge among individuals with T2DM; (2) explore factors affecting diabetes self-care knowledge; (3) determine relationship between self-care knowledge and glycaemic control; (4) solicit patients’ opinions on difficulties and helpful aspects in managing diabetes.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for 4 months and a half at UiTM Clinical Training Centre, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. Using a pre-validated questionnaire, investigators conveniently surveyed patients diagnosed with T2DM who were waiting at the endocrinology clinic and out-patient pharmacy. Total knowledge scores were calculated based on correct responses provided. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS, version 20 with a priori of less than 0.05 considered to be significant.
Results: 79 questionnaires were distributed but only 76 respondents completed the survey, with a response rate of 96.2%. The age range of the respondents was 57-61 years old. Most respondents were males (51.3%), Malays (84.2%) and had completed tertiary education (92.4%). The mean duration of respondents diagnosed with T2DM was 11.74 ± 8.04 years. The mean of HbAic from 45 respondents was 7.7 ± 1.67% while the mean of fasting blood glucose from 58 respondents was 8.5 ± 3.03 mmol/L. Majority of the respondents (69.7%) had high diabetes self-care knowledge, significantly associated with the household monthly income (p = 0.018). A significant but weak positive correlation was noticed between knowledge scores and fasting blood glucose (r = 0.278, p = 0.034). Patients expressed that controlling diet was among the toughest yet most helpful aspect in managing diabetes.
Conclusions: Several diabetes self-care knowledge gaps were identified from this study despite a large proportion of respondents achieved high knowledge scores. These knowledge weaknesses warrant reinforcement in order to optimize diabetes care among patients with T2DM.