Original Articles INSULIN SELF-ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES AMONG DIABETICS ATTENDING DIABETES MANAGEMENT CENTRE OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN LAHORE

Abstract

Background:

More than 30% of all diabetic patients administer insulin as a sole therapy or together with oral hypoglycemic medications. This study was conducted to assess insulin self-administration practices among diabetic patients visiting Diabetes Management Center of tertiary care hospital in Lahore.

Material and methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a convenient sampling technique, on 210 patients. A questionnaire developed, by using WHO guidelines regarding Insulin Self Administration, was filled by interviewing 210 patients attending the Diabetes Management Center, Services Hospital, Lahore. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis.

Results:

Out of 210 patients, 99.5% of the patients took care of temperature regulation, 83.9% practiced hand hygiene, merely 16.2% of the patients changed needle every time before use and 52.9% of the patients disposed of the needle properly. About 91.4% of patients rotated the injection site with 31.9% developing an injection scar. There is a significant relationship between educational status and checking of expiry date on vial (p= .016) and between gender of the patients and their knowledge of the proper site of administration (p= .014).

Conclusion:

 Health educational videos emphasizing storage, preparation of the solution and application as well as handling of syringes along with pictorial pamphlets, guidance from hospital staff and monitoring patient compliance with these practices can further improve these competencies.