Knowledge and support of family members in the management of diabetes mellitus among diabetic adults

Introduction: As per WHO report 2016, the diabetes epidemic is rapidly increasing in low-and middle-income countries. A Large number of deaths due to complications of diabetes. Family members have an important role on a patient’s psychological well-being, treatment, follow up, to maintain diet and exercise¹. The family members can actively involve in providing care for patients with diabetes². Family support was associated with decrease in diabetes related distress^3. Aim-to assess the knowledge on diabetes and to determine the support of family members given in providing care to the diabetic adults. Material and method: A descriptive survey design was carried out among 150 diabetic adults and their family caregivers in order to assess the knowledge and support of family members in management of diabetes. Adults who were aged above 45 years, diagnosed & on anti-diabetic treatment for at least one year were included in the study. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to collect the data from diabetic adult and their family members at 1:1 ratio by using structured and validated questionnaire. Result: Out of 150 diabetics, 49 (33%) of them were in the age group 51-55 years, 85 (57%) of them had a family history of diabetes, 57 (38 %) of them were suffering with diabetes from 6 to 10 years. Most of them i.e. 86(57%) had average knowledge on disease condition and sixty two percent of family members were encouraged to take medication as prescribed by the physician. Conclusion: This study observed that the rural people had an average level of knowledge on diabetes. Patients require continuous support from family members to bring about a changes in their lifestyle.