Diabetes self care activities among adults 20 years and above residing in a resettlement colony in East Delhi.

Background: Self-care activities are the cornerstone of diabetes care that ensures patients participation to achieve optimal glycemic control and to prevent complications.

Objective: The aim of this study is to find the level of self-care activities among diabetics aged ≥20 years residing in a resettlement colony in East Delhi and its association with sociodemographic factors, disease, and treatment profile.

Methods: Using cross-sectional survey, 168 known diabetic patients were selected from Nand Nagri, a resettlement colony in East Delhi. Data were collected using Hindi translation of revised version-Summary of Diabetic Self Care Activities along with a pretested semi-open-ended questionnaire. Self-care was assessed on six parameters as follows: (a) general diet, (b) specific diet, (c) exercise, (d) blood sugar testing, (e) foot-care, and (f) smoking. The study period was from November 2014 to April 2016.

Results: Nearly 35.1% of respondents belonged to 60-69 years age group. About 52.4% of respondents were female. Fifty-two diabetics (31%) reported having practised diet control on all 7 days in the past 1 week. Nearly 39.3% of patients did not perform any physical activity. The blood test was not practised by 92.3% of respondents. Foot-care was practised by only 19% of patients. There was a significant association between general diet among diabetics with family support (P = 0.020), place of diagnosis (P = 0.033), and treatment funds (P = 0.017). The exercise score among diabetics who were below the poverty line was higher than those above poverty line (P = 0.029). Younger age (P = 0.005) and treatment with insulin (P = 0.008) were positively associated with blood glucose testing. The foot-care practice was better in patients aware of complications and foot-care practices (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Self-care activities among diabetic patients were very poor. Self-management educational programs at hospitals along with information, education, and communication activities at the community level and one-to-one counseling are recommended.