Gender and Ethnic Differences in Diabetes Self-Care in Malaysia

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Gender and Ethnic Differences in Diabetes Self Care in Malaysia: An Individual Participant Meta-Analysis of Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities Studies
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Cheong Lieng Teng, Verna Kar Mun Lee, Ganeson Malanashita, Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Mohamad Adam Bujang


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Gender and Ethnic Differences in Diabetes Self Care in Malaysia: An Individual Participant Meta-Analysis of Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities Studies

Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.14

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2DM), poses a significant health challenge globally, with Malaysia reporting a diabetes prevalence of 18.3%. Effective self-management strategies are essential in managing diabetes, as they can improve long-term health outcomes and minimize complications. Numerous studies in Malaysia have evaluated diabetes self-care practices using the Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities (SDSCA) scale; however, there has been no comprehensive analysis considering the impact of gender and ethnicity on these practices. The present meta-analysis synthesizes findings from various studies to explore self-care behaviors among Malaysian T2DM patients while assessing the influence of gender and ethnic differences.

Self-Care Deficiencies in Diabetes Management

The meta-analysis reviewed data from 11 studies involving 3,720 T2DM patients. The findings revealed an overall SDSCA score of 33.46 out of a possible 70, indicating that self-care practices among Malaysian patients were markedly suboptimal, with participants engaging in self-care behaviors only 47.8% of the time during a 7-day period. Specific subscale scores highlighted significant deficiencies in exercise (mean score of 2.87) and blood glucose self-monitoring (mean score of 1.80). The analysis also noted slight differences among ethnic groups; Indian participants exhibited better dietary self-care compared to Malays and Chinese, while Malay participants demonstrated lower exercise levels when compared to other ethnic groups. Furthermore, the correlation between the SDSCA diet subscale and HbA1c levels was statistically significant, underscoring the importance of diet in diabetes management.

Conclusion

The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate a critical need for improvement in self-care behaviors among Malaysian adults with T2DM, particularly concerning exercise and blood glucose monitoring practices. The results indicate that educational initiatives aimed at enhancing self-management strategies should be prioritized and tailored to address the unique challenges faced by different ethnic groups. By increasing awareness and providing necessary resources, healthcare providers can better support T2DM patients in Malaysia, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and better management of the condition.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the meta-analysis conducted in Malaysia?

The meta-analysis examines self-care practices among Malaysian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, specifically how gender and ethnicity influence these practices, utilizing the Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities (SDSCA) scale.

What were the key findings regarding T2DM self-care in Malaysia?

The study found that T2DM patients in Malaysia generally have suboptimal self-care practices, particularly in exercise and blood glucose self-monitoring, with an average SDSCA score indicating only about 47.8% adherence to recommended activities.

How does gender affect self-care practices among T2DM patients?

The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in overall self-care scores between genders. However, some differences were noted in specific subscales like exercise, where females scored lower compared to males.

What impact does ethnicity have on self-care activities in T2DM?

The study found that ethnic Indians had better overall self-care scores compared to Malays and Chinese, particularly in diet adherence, highlighting differences in health practices among the ethnic groups studied.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Gender and Ethnic Differences in Diabetes Self-Care in Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
Table represents structured data in rows and columns, typically used to present quantitative or qualitative information effectively. In the context of research, tables summarize data from studies, including participant characteristics, study results, and statistical analyses, allowing for quick comparisons and interpretations by readers or researchers.

2) Study (Studying):
A study refers to a systematic investigation aimed at understanding or discovering information. In the context of health research, studies often explore various aspects of diseases, treatments, and patient behaviors, contributing valuable knowledge to the field and helping inform clinical practices and public health initiatives.

3) Diet:
Diet encompasses the foods and drinks consumed by individuals, which significantly influence health and well-being, particularly for those with chronic diseases like diabetes. Dietary habits affect blood glucose levels and overall metabolic health, making understanding dietary practices crucial for diabetes management and education.

4) Indian:
Indian in this context refers to one of the ethnic groups represented in the studies of diabetes self-care practices in Malaysia. Differences in dietary habits, lifestyle, and cultural perceptions among Indian diabetes patients compared to other ethnic groups can affect their self-care behaviors and overall health outcomes.

5) Blood:
Blood, specifically in diabetes management, is crucial for monitoring glucose levels, understanding metabolic control, and preventing complications. Blood tests, including HbA1c measurements, provide insights into long-term glycemic control, guiding interventions and helping individuals manage their diabetes through informed self-care activities.

6) Activity:
Activity signifies physical exercise, an essential component of diabetes self-management. Regular physical activity aids in controlling blood sugar levels, weight management, and overall health improvement. Understanding activity levels in patients helps in designing interventions tailored to enhance their self-care practices and promote better health outcomes.

7) Male:
Male refers to one gender identified in studies examining diabetes self-care practices. Understanding gender differences in self-care behaviors, such as exercise habits and dietary compliance, is essential for developing targeted educational interventions that address the unique challenges faced by male patients in managing their diabetes.

8) Life:
Life encompasses the culture, experiences, and daily routines of individuals. In health studies, the quality of life is often assessed to understand how chronic diseases like diabetes impact emotional, social, and physical well-being, helping to identify areas for intervention to improve patients' overall quality of life.

9) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or degree of excellence of self-care practices or health outcomes. In healthcare, quality assessment helps in understanding the effectiveness of interventions and patient satisfaction, leading to improved health services tailored to meet patient needs, particularly in managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

10) Siti (Shiti):
Siti is a common Malay name, likely referring to a contributor to the studies being discussed. Recognition of individual researchers in publications signifies the collaborative nature of scientific research and highlights the contributions of various scholars in advancing knowledge of diabetes self-care in Malaysia.

11) Rules:
Rules often refer to guidelines or protocols established to ensure the proper conduct of research or medical practice. In diabetes management, rules may involve standardized procedures for testing, treatment administration, and patient education, ensuring consistency and reliability in achieving health outcomes.

12) Depression:
Depression is a significant mental health concern that can adversely affect diabetes management and self-care. Research has identified connections between depression and poorer self-care behaviors, emphasizing the need for integrated care approaches that address both mental health and chronic disease management for improved patient outcomes.

13) Education:
Education is fundamental in empowering diabetes patients with knowledge about their condition, leading to better self-care practices. It encompasses various methods, including individual counseling, group sessions, and educational materials aimed at enhancing understanding and adherence to prescribed health guidelines and lifestyle changes.

14) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement or study findings. In health research, particularly when using scales like the Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities (SDSCA), establishing reliability ensures that the results accurately reflect patients' behaviors, contributing to valid conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice.

15) Language:
Language is crucial in conveying health information and educational materials to patients. In a multicultural setting like Malaysia, addressing language barriers and providing resources in multiple languages can improve understanding, adherence, and ultimately, outcomes of diabetes self-management among diverse populations.

16) Disease:
Disease refers to health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, characterized by specific clinical symptoms and pathophysiology. Understanding the nature of the disease is essential for developing effective management strategies, educational interventions, and tailoring healthcare services to meet the needs of affected individuals.

17) Chinna:
Chinna likely refers to a researcher affiliated with the studies on diabetes self-care practices. Recognition of contributors in academic endeavors is essential as it acknowledges collaborative efforts and allows audiences to associate findings with experts in the field of diabetes and chronic disease management.

18) Hatta:
Hatta is a name likely associated with a researcher involved in diabetes studies, underscoring the collaboration in research efforts. Acknowledging contributors highlights the diverse expertise contributing to understanding diabetes self-care behaviors and promotes the engagement of multiple perspectives in health investigations.

19) Sah:
Shah is a common name that may refer to a contributor or researcher in diabetes studies. Recognizing individual researchers in publications is critical for establishing credibility and showcasing the collective knowledge and efforts of professionals in addressing public health issues related to diabetes.

20) Measurement:
Measurement involves methods for quantifying or assessing variables, which is essential in healthcare research. In diabetes studies, accurate measurement of self-care behaviors, blood glucose levels, and patient-reported outcomes informs clinical decisions, evaluates intervention effectiveness, and helps tailor personalized care strategies for improved patient management.

21) Knowledge:
Knowledge is critical in diabetes management, empowering patients to engage in self-care practices effectively. Educational initiatives aimed at increasing patients' knowledge about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications are vital for enhancing adherence to self-care and improving overall health outcomes.

22) Attending:
Attending refers to participation in healthcare services, such as regular visits to healthcare providers for diabetes management. Consistent attendance at healthcare appointments is crucial for monitoring progress, receiving education, and adjusting treatment plans, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of self-care practices among patients.

23) Anxiety:
Anxiety can significantly impact the ability of diabetes patients to manage their condition effectively. Research highlights the interplay between anxiety and self-care behaviors, suggesting that addressing mental health concerns is essential for optimal diabetes management and enhancing patients' quality of life.

24) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic study and experimentation aimed at understanding phenomena, including health conditions like diabetes. Scientific research contributes to developing, validating, and implementing effective interventions and treatments, improving evidence-based practices that enhance diabetes self-management and patient outcomes.

25) Family:
Family plays a pivotal role in the support systems of individuals managing chronic diseases like diabetes. Engaging family members in education and support programs can enhance adherence to self-care practices, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster a collaborative approach to health management.

26) Padma:
Padma is likely a reference to a researcher involved in diabetes studies. Acknowledging contributors showcases interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives that enhance understanding and inform effective diabetes self-care interventions in Malaysian populations.

27) Putra:
Putra may refer to one of the institutions or collaborators involved in diabetes research. Recognition of academic institutions is essential, highlighting their role in advancing health research in Malaysia and fostering partnerships that enhance the understanding of chronic disease management.

28) Hani:
Hani may refer to a researcher or contributor to the diabetes studies. Acknowledging individual contributions emphasizes collaboration in research efforts, showcasing the combined expertise needed to develop effective self-care interventions for diabetes management in Malaysia.

29) Mara:
Mara likely refers to an organization or collaborative effort in the study of diabetes. Such partnerships highlight the importance of community involvement and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing health challenges and improving healthcare delivery for diabetes patients in Malaysia.

30) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to significant changes in health behaviors or outcomes. In diabetes management, transformation can result from educational interventions that improve knowledge and skills, leading individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and better self-care practices for managing their condition effectively.

31) Performance:
Performance pertains to the execution of self-care behaviors by diabetes patients. Understanding levels of performance in key areas such as diet, exercise, and glucose monitoring helps identify gaps in care and areas that require focused educational interventions to enhance patient outcomes.

32) Discussion:
Discussion in research refers to the interpretation of findings and their implications for practice. It is a critical section where researchers analyze data, compare with existing literature, and may suggest future research directions, contributing to the ongoing conversation regarding effective diabetes self-care strategies.

33) Roman (Roma):
Roman may represent a particular style of writing or refer to names associated with the studies. In a broader context, understanding cultural references within research enhances the relevance and applicability of findings to different populations, supporting the cultural competency in health care provision.

34) Doubt:
Doubt signifies uncertainties regarding results or methodologies in research. Addressing doubt is essential to strengthen the validity and reliability of findings, reassuring stakeholders about the accuracy of research outcomes and fostering confidence in the application of findings to clinical practice.

35) Alam (Alaṁ):
Alam typically means 'environment' or 'nature' in Malay. In health research, understanding the environmental factors influencing diabetes self-care practices is crucial for developing tailored interventions that consider socio-cultural and regional contexts affecting patients' wellbeing.

36) Food:
Food plays a significant role in diabetes management, as dietary choices directly impact blood glucose levels. Understanding food-related behaviors and preferences among diverse populations is crucial for informing nutrition education and promoting healthier eating habits to improve diabetes control.

37) Post:
Post often indicates a discussion or position after a certain event or research finding. In research, post-analysis reflection aids in synthesizing outcomes, sharing insights with stakeholders, and applying lessons learned to future studies or clinical practices aimed at improving diabetes management.

Other Science Concepts:

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