PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SELF-MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders worldwide and has become a major public health concern due to its increasing prevalence and long-term complications. Effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus requires continuous self-management practices, including adherence to medication, healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, and routine medical follow-up. The success of these practices is influenced by several psychosocial factors, among which perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others plays a vital role. Adequate social support can motivate patients to adopt healthy behaviors, improve treatment adherence, and enhance overall diabetes management. Despite the growing burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistan, limited local evidence exists regarding the relationship between perceived social support and self-management practices among patients attending tertiary care hospitals.

Objective: To assess perceived social support and self-management practices among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care hospital and to determine the association between perceived social support and diabetes self-management practices.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetic outpatient department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital. Participants were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and a self-management practices questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including the Chi-square test and correlation analysis, were used to examine the relationship between perceived social support and self-management practices.

Results: The findings indicated that the majority of patients perceived moderate to high levels of social support, particularly from family members. Most participants demonstrated satisfactory self-management practices, including regular medication use, healthy dietary habits, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, and attendance at follow-up visits. A statistically significant positive association was observed between perceived social support and self-management practices, indicating that patients with higher levels of perceived social support were more likely to demonstrate better diabetes self-management behaviors.

Conclusion: Perceived social support has a positive influence on diabetes self-management practices among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Strengthening family, friends, and healthcare support may improve adherence to recommended self-care behaviors and contribute to better disease management. Healthcare providers should incorporate strategies that enhance social support into routine diabetes care to improve long-term patient outcomes.