Awareness of the Risk Factors, Complications and Treatment Compliance of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Metro Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Larguita  P. Reotutar,

Awareness of the Risk Factors, Complications and Treatment Compliance of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Metro Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Abstract:

The study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the risk factors, complications, and extent of treatment compliance of patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Metro Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It also tried to look into the profile of the respondents in terms of their personal-related factors, health–related factors, and their lifestyle. Further, it tried to determine the significant relationship between the extent of treatment compliance to diabetes and the socio-demographic factors, health-related factors, and the level of awareness of the risks factors of Diabetes Mellitus.

The study utilized the descriptive-correlational method of research. The respondents were 143 patients from Metro Vigan who were diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and confined at the Gabriela Silang General Hospital, St. James Hospital, and Metro Vigan Cooperative Hospital during the Calendar Year 2011.

Findings showed that most of the respondents are 50 years old and above, female, married, high school graduates, unskilled workers, and have a family monthly income of Php 5,000.00 and below. Almost one-half of the respondents are 1.51-1.6 meters tall, weighing 51-60 kilograms, and most are Type II Diabetes Mellitus, with co- morbid condition of hypertension, and have complications of neuropathy. There is a “low” level of awareness of Diabetes Mellitus along risk factors and complications. They are “moderately aware” that family history and hypertension are risk factors, but “unaware” that polycystic ovarian syndrome can also be a risk factor. The respondents are “moderately aware” that neuropathy and retinopathy are complications. But they are “unaware” that diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia are also complications. The extent of treatment compliance to Diabetes Mellitus is “High” along Diagnostics and Treatment and Lifestyle Modification. They “always” religiously take in their medications at the right time as prescribed by their physicians. Sometimes, they submit themselves for monitoring of their blood pressure and blood glucose level; but “often” visit their physicians when symptoms occur or worsen. There is a significant relationship between extent of treatment compliance of the respondents and the following variables: personal-related factors in terms of age, educational attainment and: monthly family income; type of DM; and awareness of the risk factors and complications.