Effects of social and economic factors on the attitudes of diabetic patients towards self-care behaviors in Iran

Abstract

Background: One of the most common chronic diseases is diabetes, which self-care has a very significant role in reducing its complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of social and economic factors on the attitude of diabetic patients towards self-care behaviors. Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019. The sample included 170 patients with diabetes referring to the clinics affiliated to the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a previously developed questionnaire through interview. Results: Out of participants in the study, had a positive attitude towards self-care behaviors of type 2 diabetes. We observed significant association between attitude towards self-care behaviors in type 2 diabetes and membership in real and virtual groups (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001) support of family members (P < 0.001), household income (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Regarding the correlation between certain social and economic variables, and patient attitude towards self-care in diabetes, as well as the effects of attitude in performing self-care behaviors, and the beneficial results of these behaviors in disease control, correct methods must be adapted to control these variables both materially and spiritually. Some of the methods suggested by the researchers are holding frequent educational classes for these people, providing suitable pamphlets, allocating suitable environments and green spaces for diabetic patients, creating suitable and fun virtual groups, identifying type 2 diabetic patients who are not supported by families or do not have enough income and creating suitable group spaces for these people.