Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes self-care management (DSCM) is complex because various factors and relationships influence its processes. AIMS: This study aimed to identify the level of DSCM, compare the levels of self care between patients with type 1 and patients with type 2 diabetes, and identify significant predictors of self-care among Jordanian patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who were taking insulin. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed using a convenience sample of 310 Jordanian patients. The Arabic translated version of the 40-item Diabetes Self-Management Scale was used to collect data. RESULTS: The type of diabetes (t(310) = 4.81; p < .001) and the type of medications (insulin, or insulin and tablets) (t(310) = 4.75; p < .001) significantly affected the level of self-care. Age (t(296) = - 3.41; p = 0.001), gender (t(296) = -4.78; p < 0.001) training in self-care (t(296) = 4.30; p < .001), educational level (t(296) = 2.81, P = .005) and using traditional treatment (herbal therapy) (t(296) = -4.64, p < .001) significantly predicted self-care and explained around 58% of the variance in self-care. CONCLUSIONS: Various factors were found to influence self-care. Further research is needed to explore the complex nature of DSCM.