Knowledge and Self- care Practices in Diabetic Patients and Their Role in Disease Management in Pyay, Myanmar

Abstract

Background: Poor knowledge and inadequate practices among diabetic patients play important role in influencing the progression of diabetes and its complications while these diabetes complications are largely preventable. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among both patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes clinics and hospitals in Pyay, Bago Division in the Irrawaddy region of Myanmar. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to understand knowledge and self-care practices among diabetic patients. Results: A total of 100 diabetic patients consented and in the study of whom 19 (36.5%) and 16 (33.3%) were male who have poor and good diabetic management respectively. The remaining 33 (63.5%) and 32 (66.7%) were poor and good diabetic management of female. Majority of participants were married who have poor and good diabetic management of (76.9%) and (79.2%). Majority of the participants (42.3%) and (45.8%) were between the age of 41-60 years who have poor and good diabetic management. Half of the participants 27 (51.9%) with poor management and 24 (50%) with good diabetic management have diabetic awareness. A significant relationship was found between diabetic management and primary healthcare provider, though most participants 39 (75%) with poor diabetic management and 26 (54.2%) with good diabetic management do not have primary healthcare providers. Half of the participants (55.8%) with poor diabetic management and (47.9%) with good diabetic management received diabetic medications. A significant relationship existed between diabetic management and level of knowledge. The highest percentage of participants (92.5%) with poor diabetic management and (68%) with good diabetic management have poor diabetic knowledge. Few of participants (7.5%) and (25%) with poor diabetic knowledge and good diabetic knowledge respectively had moderate diabetic knowledge. Conclusions: Participants with better diabetic knowledge followed the advice of their healthcare providers and had regular checkup allowing glycemic control.