Self-care Behaviors among Diabetic Patients with Comorbidities

Abstract

Diabetes with various comorbidities tends to increase. This qualitative research aimed to study self-care behaviors of diabetic patients with comorbidities. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and document studies. Triangulation was employed to verify the reliability of the data. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Results showed that,  10 key informants aged range from 37 to 70 years old. Their self-care behaviors included eating food prepared by families and self-care management. Their physical activity decreased after their illness. Their self-care behaviors included preparing for follow-ups, asking for helps, doing merits, managing their inheritance. There are three aspects of problems and needs: 1) economic aspect due to the inability to work at full potential, 2) social aspect due to unable to join activities in the communities, which providing a good opportunity to reduce alcohol consumption, and 3) health aspect which included health security and rights for care. Conditional factors that affected self-care was marital status. Patients who were married or lived with their family tended to have persons to provide care and encouragement. Professionals who worked full-time jobs may have limitations in self-care because of their works. Older age groups tended to need more caregivers than those who were younger.

It is recommended for healthcare providers to involve family members in care that is age-appropriate and focus on health education, promoting physical activity suitability with illness, and mental preparation according to religious principles to approach the state of mind and body.