Sele-Care Practices and Its Barriers among Diabetes Patients Attending Diabetic OPD in Selected Hospitals of Howrah, West Bengal

Swapna Ghosh

Abstract: A descriptive study was undertaken to assess the self-care practices and barriers among diabetes patients attending the diabetic OPD in a selected hospital in Howrah, West Bengal. The conceptual framework of the study was based on "The Health Belief Model". A non-experimental survey approach and Descriptive survey design were adopted to conduct the study among 124 diabetic patients. The tools selected were a semi-structured interview schedule to collect demographic information and a structured interview schedule to obtain information on the history of diabetes, a record analysis proforma to collect data about FBS, PPBS, HbAlc, a bio-physical measurement proforma to collect data about BMI and waist circumference, structured interview schedule to obtain information about self-care practices by Modified SDSCA Measure and barriers to self-care practices. There was a total of six areas-diet, physical activities and exercises, medication, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, and follow-up. The study findings revealed that 67% of patients were above the target level of PPBS.54% of patients were above the target level of FBS.57% of patients were obese (BMI-> 25). Self-care practice was highest in adherence to medication (77.85%%), and lowest in taking foot care (23.95%).40% of patients had good dietary practices. Only 7% of patients had good practice in performing physical activities and exercises.80% of patients faced dietary barriers in extent of always.76% of patients always faced barriers to physical activities and exercise, and 86% of patients always faced barriers to foot care. The result of computed chi-square indicated that there was statistically significant association between self-care practices and educational status (Chi' df (1)-9.90*, P>0.05), monthly family income (Chi df (1) =5.37*, P>0.05), glycaemic level (PPBS) (Chi? df () =4.97*, P>0.05), BMI (Body Mass Index) (Chi' df (|) =4.20*, P>0.05). The findings of the study have implications for nursing practice, nursing education, nursing administration, and nursing research. A similar study on a large sample and with a qualitative approach can be done.

Keywords: self-care practices, barriers, diabetes, diabetes patients, diabetic OPD

How to Cite?: Swapna Ghosh, "Sele-Care Practices and Its Barriers among Diabetes Patients Attending Diabetic OPD in Selected Hospitals of Howrah, West Bengal", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1017-1038, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25730214228, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25730214228