Authors: Nelly Kalonga, Patricia Katowa Mukwato, Ruth Wahila.
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem that is approaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Uncontrolled disease can lead to complications which can eventually result in reduced life expectancy and major health cost. Glucose control is fundamental in delaying the onset of complications as such patients are required to practice regular self-care in order to achieve optimal blood glucose levels and prevent complications. Higher self-efficacy has been shown to contribute to improved self-care behaviour and better glycaemic control. The study therefore sought to evaluate the relationship between self- efficacy and self- care practices, in glycemic control among adults with diabetes mellitus, receiving care at Kitwe Teaching Hospital, Zambia.
A cross sectional correlational study design was utilized. A total of 112 patients participated in a study. They were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data on self-care practice. Self-efficacy was measured using a modified Diabetes Self-efficacy Scale and glycemic control was obtained by calculating the average of three consecutive fasting blood sugar results. Data was entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 25.0. The Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to test the associations between variables. The Binary logisticregression was used to determine the true predictor variables to glycemic control.
The study results showed that more than three quarters (79.4%) of the participants had poor glycemic control, more than half (61.6%) of the participants had high self-efficacy and about two thirds (66%) of the participants practiced good self-care. The study results showed a statically significant relationship between glycaemic control and self-efficacy p<0.001. The finding of the binary logistic regression analysis was statistically significant (p<0.01) as it showed that patients who practiced good self-care had 6.64 times greater odds of glycaemic control (OR: 6.64, CI: .46, .88). There is, therefore, need to strengthen the educational programs with emphasis on selfcare activities to help achieve normal glycaemic levels. Self-efficacy should also be incorporated in the diabetic treatment protocols as it enhances self-care practice.
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