Self-care practice of community dwelling diabetic elders

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is common chronic disease encountered by individuals in late life. Diabetes and its complications can impaire well being and quality of life of elders. Patient's compliance and self-care practices are critical facors in appropriate management of diabetes mellitus. So, this study aimed at identifying self-care practice of community dwelling elders. The study sample comprises 105 diabetic elderly who attending the outpatient diabetic clinic at Farouk Hospital, which is affiliated to Ministry of Health and Population. The study revealed that the majority, of the studied diabetic elders had a poor adherence to self-care practice. It was found that self-care practices are affected by sex, marital status, and income of the elders. Also, self-care practice had a significant relation with fasting blood level, body mass index, and the number of foot problems. Knowledge of diabetic elders is essential for self-care practice which is affected by elders' educational level. The study recommended that encouraging elders' independency, and providing financial and social supports are an essential part for self-care practices