Autocuidado en el paciente diabético tipo 2 en un Hospital Público de Pasaje, Ecuador

Abstract

Self-care in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus plays a fundamental role in the treatment and development of the disease. This is achieved with the mutual commitment on the part of the patient and the health personnel. The objective of the study was to identify the self-care practices performed by the patients, as well as the perception of the disease and the factors that influence the obstruction of self-care based on the degree of knowledge of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample consisted of 20 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the outpatient clinic of the Hospital San Vicente de Paul in the city of Pasaje. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the period between August and September 2020 using the survey technique and as an instrument, the questionnaire. It was identified that 50% did not include any self-care practice within their lifestyle. 80% attend a consultation in a period of time equal to or greater than 6 months. 70% are unaware of the complications and symptoms of the disease, despite the fact that 100% had comorbidities. In addition, 70% performed blood glucose controls only when they attended the consultation. Thus, an inadequate degree of knowledge and awareness of the disease was obtained and, consequently, poor self-care practices