Factors Related to Self-Care Behaviors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam

Introduction: T2DM causes a heavy burden on individuals, patients' families and communities because it affects quality of life, requires a long-term and comprehensive health care. Self-care behavior is an important factor in reducing the disease impact and progression. Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the status and factors related to self-care behaviors of self-care behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 408 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Thai Nguyen National Hospital through a questionnaire to assess self-care behaviors in people with diabetes mellitus (SDSCA). Results: The highest percentage of patients who performed good self-care behaviors (from 5 to 7 days) was physical activity (88.0%) and the lowest was blood glucose level testing (2.7%); the rates of patients who followed the diet well, took care of their feet, and adhered to medication was 62.3%, 17.6%; and 13.0%, respectively. Number of people in the family were related to the diet (t* = -2.294, p = 0.022). Number of people in the family (t* = -1.984,; p = 0.048), education qualification (t* = -2.112, p = 0.035), and income (t* = -2.147, p = 0.032) were related to physical activities. Education qualification was related to blood glucose level testing (t* = -2.501, p = 0.013). Duration of diabetes mellitus was related to drug adherence (F** = 6.412, p = 0.002). Education qualification (t* = -2.340, p = 0.02), and income (t* = -3.356, p = 0.001) were related to foot care activities of people with diabetes mellitus. Self-care knowledge was related to self-care behavior in the areas of diet, physical activity, blood glucose level testing and foot care activities (p = 0.001, 0.00, 0.00, 0.008). Conclusion: This study has proven that people with diabetes mellitus had low self-care behaviors in many areas. There were many factors related to self-care behaviors. Therefore, health workers need to personalize in counseling, health education, and provide knowledge about self-care activities of people with diabetes mellitus.