Social support and self-care activities among the elderly patients with diabetes in Kelantan
- Author:
Ahmad Sharoni SK
;
Shdaifat EA
;
Mohd Abd Majid HA
;
Shohor NA
;
Ahmad F
;
Zakaria Z
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Social support;
diabetes;
self-care activities;
elderly
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2015;10(1):34-43
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetes is common among the elderly and can significantly affect their lives
including the issues related with social support and diabetic self-care activities.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the social support and self-care activities
among the elderly patients with diabetes.
Methods: A survey involving 200 patients was conducted from March 2013 to May 2013 in
three hospitals in Kelantan. Data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires and
clinical characteristics were acquired from the patients’ records.
Results: The scores for social support (mean = 19.26; SD = 2.63) and self-care activities (mean
= 14.83; SD = 4.92) were moderate. Higher social support was associated with high levels of
glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS) level, the duration of diabetes and
a decrease in body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). It was observed that the patients with low
educational, Hb1Ac and FBS level, with other chronic diseases and who have had diabetes for
some time had low self-care activities (p<0.05). There was a significant negative relationship
between an increase in social support and decrease in self-care activity (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Healthcare providers, family and friends have to strengthen their relationship with
the elderly patients with diabetes to provide more social support and promote the compliance
with diabetic self-care activities to improve clinical outcomes.
- Full text:P020151027412418156999.pdf
