Self-care management among older adults with Diabetes Mellitus : A systematic literature review

Abstract

The alarming rise of diabetes mellitus (WHO 2016) and the experiences of the author in encountering patients with diabetes mellitus complications due to poor self care have been the motivation to conduct the study.

The study intends to identify the factors that supports the maintenance and adherence of self-care management among older adults with diabetes mellitus. This will bring ideas to the nurses as educator and motivator to patients with diabetes mellitus as to how to encourage them in performing self-care activities. The study used a qualitative systematic literature review approach and content analysis of the 10 relevant articles that discuss about the study topic.

The findings of the study has suggested three categories: personal factors which comprise the subcategories cognition, physical status, and medication; social factors which include the support given by the family & friends and the diabetes care projects or programs; and health care personnel factors which discuss the relationship of patients with physician & pharmacy service. These categories contributed to the maintenance and adherence of self-care management among older adults with diabetes mellitus.