Publication:

Assessment of self-care practices among type 2 diabetics in urban Bengaluru: a cross-sectional study

Background Self-care is a vital aspect of diabetes management, significantly influencing glycemic control and prevention of complications. This study aimed to assess self-care practices among adult diabetic patients and compare individual self-care components with findings from similar studies conducted in India.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 adult type 2 diabetic patients attending primary health centers (PHCs) in urban Bengaluru between November 2024 and January 2025. Self-care behaviors were assessed across seven domains based on the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) framework. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with poor self-care, with results presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results The mean age of participants was 53.8 years (SD: ±10.4), and overall mean self-care score was 33.9 (SD: ±12.3). Medication adherence showed the highest compliance (mean 6.1 days/week), while exercise had the lowest (mean 3.6 days/week). The median total self-care score was 35 (IQR: 28-42), with 38.2% (95% CI: 36.4-40.0%) classified as having good self-care. Females showed better self-care, especially in diet and foot care. In multivariate analysis, being female (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8) and having higher education (aOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.3-3.5) were positively associated with good self-care, while diabetes duration under 5 years was linked to poorer practices (aOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7).

Conclusions Moderate self-care practices were observed, highlighting need for targeted health education and behavioral strategies to improve diabetes management.