Diabetes self-care among diabetic patients in Indonesia : Qualitative study
Yunita Sari (a*), Atyanti Isworo (a), Arif Setyo Upoyo (a), Agis Taufik (a), Annas Sumeru (a), Nur Indarwati (b))

a. Nursing Science Program, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
*yunita.sari[at]unsoed.ac.id
b. Margono Soekarjo Hospital, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Abstract

Background
The number of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is high in Indonesia. In order to prevent complication of DM, diabetic patients needs to perfom diabetes self-care. However, little is known about diabetes self-care in diabetic patients in Indonesia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe diabetes self-care in diabetic patients in Indonesia.

Methods.
The design of this study was a qualitative study. The sample of this study consist of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and underwent thematic analysis.

Results
The diabetes self-care performed by patients were not adequate. Almost no patient perfoms self-monitoring blood sugar due to financial issues and lack of knowledge. Diet management were conducted by most patients but not based on appropriate knowledge. Most patients have lack of knowledge regarding sufficient diabetes self-care. In addition, most of patients have low health literacy in diabetes self-care. There are three main categories which we identified- misinterpretation, confused, and in need of support system.

Conclusion
Most of patients do not conduct sufficient diabetes self-care and have lack of knowledge related with diabetes self-care. The health providers need to establish method for education which is easy to be understood by patients. The data in this study provide a basis evidence for health clinician to establish educational program which could improve health literacy and knowledge related with diabetes self-care.

Keywords: diabetes, qualitative, self-care

Topic: Medical and Surgical Nursing