Self-care practices and associated factors among diabetes patients attending the outpatient department in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess diabetes self-care practice and associated factors among diabetes patients attending Felege-Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Result: Prevalence of desirable self-care behaviors toward Diabetes Mellitus was 28.4% (95% CI 24.0-32.7%). There were significant association between the combined treatment modality of tablet with insulin (AOR: 2.72; 95% CI 1.01, 7.40), primary and secondary education level (AOR: 4.82; 95% CI 1.88, 12.35 and AOR: 3.08; 95% CI 1.26, 7.53, respectively). A considerable number of the patients had poor self-care practice, especially lack of social support and treatment modality, which have critical roles in controlling diabetes. Therefore, attention should be given to improve self-care practice.