Self-care activities among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Aims This study investigated self-care activities and identified their related factors in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, between September 2016 and February 2017, involving 202 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Measures included the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire and Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. Results Self-care activities in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were suboptimal overall. Foot care and blood sugar testing were the self-care activities that were performed the least. One fifth of patients smoked. Some subscales of illness perceptions, receiving health education on diabetes, employment status, education level, body mass index, age and time since type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis, were related to self-care activities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion Health-care providers and nurses should encourage greater engagement in self-care activities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially foot care and blood sugar testing. Illness perceptions may be used as a framework to guide interventions.