Comparison of ecological factors and herbal use in persons with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus between urban and rural communities

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to compare ecological factors and herbal use in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus between urban and rural communities. The participants included 300 persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus, were  purposively selected. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model was used to guide the conceptual framework of this study. Instruments included demographic questionnaire, herbal use questionnaire, health literacy questionnaire, self-care behaviors questionnaire, and social support in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi–square test. Results revealed as follows. 1) There were no significant differences in overall health literacy and subscales including functional, interactive and critical parts, social support, and herbal use in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus between urban and rural communities (p > .05).  2) Self-care behaviors in total and foot care and hygiene subpart, had significant differences (p < .05).  3)  Self-care behaviors in the subparts of exercise, food consumption behaviors and medication taking were not significantly different (p  > .05).