Health Behavior of Diabetic Patients and Their satisfactions towards the Services Provided at Health Center 32

Abstract

Health Behavior of Diabetic Patients and Their satisfactions towards the Services Provided at Health Center 32

Jutalak              Thepsarn             MD, MPH

Health Center 32, Department of Health, Bangkok Metropolitan Adminstration

Objective : To study the health behavior of diabetic patients and their satisfactions towards the service provided at Health Center 32.

Study Design : Descriptive study.

Setting : Diabetic clinic at Health Center 32, Department of Health, Bangkok Metropolitan Adminstration.

Subjects : One hundred and seventy consecutive diabetic patients, old and new, who registered and attended the diabetic clinic at Health Center 32 between March to June 2001.

Methods : Subjects were interviewed by structured questionnaires regarding general personal information, health behavior and their satisfaction towards the service at the  clinic. Routine examination was given to each patient which included physical examination, weight, height and BP measurement, chest x-ray and fasting blood chemistries i.e, plasma glucose, lipids, HbA₁C, BUN, creatinine. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics; correlation was tested by Chi-square, between the level of glucose HbA₁C and also to other laboratory variables, body mass index.

Main outcome measures : Patient's opinion about health behaviors and satisfaction towards the services based on different sex, age, marital status, educational level, occupation and income.

Results : Inappropriate health behaviors were noted among the patients such as physical inactivity 59.3% and/or inconsistent exercise 32%, preference of sweets 40.0%. Most patients were satisfied with the services provided at the health center in terms of convenience, drug costs and good staff manners. This study also showed statistically significant correlation between fasting plasma glucose and HbA₁C; BMI and blood pressure, but not between the plasma glucose and symptoms of disease and body mass index.

Conclusion : Most diabetic patients of Health Center 32 had inappropriate health behaviors such as physical inactivity or inconsistent exercise, inappropriate food intake. However, most are satisfied with the services provided at the Health Center.

Key words : diabetic patient's characteristics, health behavior, patient satisfaction.

Vajira Med J 2002 ; 46 : 35 - 42