Self-Management and Its Associated Factors in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the level of self-management among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing these skills. A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used with involving 356 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus inat a public hospital between January and October 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing diabetes-related symptoms, adaptation to chronic illness, medication self-efficacy, and self-care behaviours. Participants generally demonstrated a mild symptom burden, good adaptation to illness, moderate medication self-efficacy, and inadequate self-care. Higher adaptation and self-efficacy were associated with better self-care, while greater symptom burden was linked to poorer managementself-management. Factors such as age, sex, education, income, caregiver support, diet adherence, and regular follow-up significantly influenced selfmanagement outcomes. Adults with type 2 diabetes showed demonstrated moderate overall self-management. Strengthening patient education, promoting adherence to dietary and medical recommendations, and involving family caregivers in the care process may enhance diabetes self-management and improve health outcomes.