Self-care practices among diabetes patients attending a health center in a slum of Kolkata: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: Type-2 diabetes is a growing health problem worldwide. India has become the diabetes capital of the world. Diabetes requires continuous medical care and education for patient self-management to prevent complications. As self-care activities demand enormous efforts from the patient, there is a necessity to learn their experiences about the hardships they face while self-managing diabetes. Objectives: The main objective is to evaluate the self-care activities along with perceived barriers among patients attending a health centre in a slum of Kolkata. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Urban Health Unit and Training Center, Chetla, Kolkata, among 10 male patients of type 2 diabetes for >2 years attending noncommunicable diseases clinics using focus group discussion. Results: Patients with diabetes aged 38-57 years. All of them lived in the slum area. Their duration of diabetes ranged from 2 to 17 years. Most of the participants stated that they suffer from diabetes because of excess 'chinta,' that is, worry or stress. They opined that diabetes affected every single part of the body irreversibly. According to the participants, walking, appropriate diet, timely medicines, regular blood glucose monitoring, and stress are to be reduced to control diabetes. Conclusion: Participants were aware of diabetes self-care activities though they lacked knowledge in few domains. Their practice was satisfactory. The patients were distressed due to diet restrictions and felt stress as a main factor in their lives.