| The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to assess the level of diabetes self-management (DSM) and the level of DSM components in Omani with type-2 diabetes. This study also assessed the relationship between DSM and glycemic control; the relationship between DSM and demographic variables; and the difference between two regions in Oman with respect to level of DSM and level of each component of DSM. A total of 266 Omani patients with type-2 diabetes from two regions of Oman (Muscat and Aldhakiliyah) have participated in this study. Level of DSM and DSM components were measured using the Diabetes Self-Management Scale (DSMS). Glycemic control was measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Findings indicated that the participants had low levels of DSM and low levels of DSM components. Demographics were found to be associated with DSM. Gender was associated with exercise and taking medication; age was associated with exercise and foot care; level of education was associated with exercise, SMBG, foot care, and problem-solving; employment was associated with exercise, SMBG, foot care, and problem-solving; and duration of diabetes was associated with problem solving. No difference was found between the two regions except for SMBG. Participants from Muscat region practiced SMBG more frequently than those from Aldhakiliyah region. The findings of this study indicated that many patients with type-2 diabetes in Oman do not perform DSM consistently. These findings provide nurse researchers and nurse clinicians in Oman with previously unknown information about DSM. Measures need to be taken by health care providers, policy makers, and patients with diabetes in order to improve the quality of diabetes care in Oman. Most importantly, attention should be paid to improving DSM. |
