# Self-care practices and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending public hospitals in Bale zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study examines self-care practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Ethiopia and finds that socioeconomic factors and education significantly influence their ability to manage the condition.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific socioeconomic and educational factors influencing diabetes self-care practices in a regional Ethiopian context.

## Key findings

- 59.4% of patients demonstrated satisfactory diabetes self-care practices.
- Higher income, private employment, and diabetes education significantly improved self-care practices.
- Targeted education and support are needed for patients with lower incomes and limited knowledge.

## Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Effective self-care, including medication management, dietary changes, exercise, regular blood sugar monitoring, education and support, stress management, regular healthcare visits, foot care, and sleep hygiene, is essential for its management.

The study aimed to gather data on how well patients managed their diabetes through self-care activities, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health outcomes.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals in the Bale zone of Ethiopia from February 5 to March 22, 2024. Using systematic random sampling, 411 patients over 18 with type 2 diabetes were selected. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires, entered into Kobotoolbox, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Choosing all existing public hospitals in Bale Zone provided comprehensive insights into type 2 diabetes management while adhering to ethical standards, ensuring participant protection and enhanced research credibility through valid instruments designed for accurate data collection.

In this study, 59.4% of the 411 participants demonstrated satisfactory diabetes self-care practices, while 40.6% exhibited inadequate practices. Significant factors influencing self-care included higher income (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.19–4.80], P < 0.014), private sector employment (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI [1.06–4.13], P < 0.033), receiving diabetic education (AOR: 2.85, 95% CI [1.33–6.12], P < 0.007), membership in a diabetic association (AOR: 1.85, 95% CI [0.93–3.67], P < 0.077), possessing good self-care knowledge (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI [1.24–3.34], P < 0.004), and having no diabetic complications (AOR: 2.68, 95% CI [1.64–4.36], P < 0.000).

Diabetes self-care practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Bale, Ethiopia, are not sufficient. These practices are affected by several factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to diabetes education, membership in diabetes associations, and overall knowledge about self-care. Targeted support and education are crucial for individuals with lower incomes and those in non-private jobs. Enhancing access to diabetic education and promoting membership in diabetic associations can significantly improve self-care practices. Furthermore, it is essential to focus on knowledge enhancement and preventive care for complications during public hospital follow-ups in the Bale Zone.