title: Self-care and health outcomes of diabetes mellitus.
abstract: Studies show that self-care improves diabetes mellitus (DM) outcomes; however, previous studies have focused on self-care maintenance, and little is known about self-care management. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of DM self-care maintenance and management on number of hospitalizations and hospitalization days. A cohort design with secondary analysis of data from the Health and Retirement Study 2002-2004 was used. Data from 726 adults with DM were analyzed with logistic regression and negative binomial regression adjusting for covariates. Self-care maintenance and management were significant determinants of hospitalization outcomes. Establishing a goal for HbA1c (self-care management) and eating ≥2 snacks or desserts per day (self-care maintenance) were associated with a decrease in hospitalizations (IRR = 0.860, p = .001; IRR = 0.914, p = .043, respectively). DM self-care maintenance and management influence health outcomes but in different ways. These data provide evidence that both elements are needed in the education of patients about DM.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217, USA. mksong80@gmail.com
authors.forename: MinKyoung
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ratcliffe
authors.forename: Nancy C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Tkacs
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Riegel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome