Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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Quantitative Measurement of Perceptions of Self-Care
Management Among Rural, Older Diabetics: A Pilot Study
Sharon R. George, PhD, MN, RN
Carolyn Scroggins, MSN, RN
Telephone: 256 824 6512
Fax: 256 824 6026
Email: georges@uah.edu
scroggc@uah.edu
Institution: University of Alabama, Huntsville
Office 302
Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative pilot study was to
examine the perceived adherence of diabetes self-care management
among rural, homebound, 65 year and older diabetics. Investigation
of effective self-management factors and behaviors in older, rural
diabetics may provide unique perceptions of self-care.
Literature Review: The sixty-five year and older persons are
disproportionately affected by diabetes. They are more likely than
younger diabetics to have co-morbidities, disabilities and difficulty
preventing diabetic complications. Guidelines for diabetes
management and treatment developed by the American Diabetes
Association (2007) are not specifically targeted for the 65-year and
older population. This subset of older adult diabetics endemic in the
United States has yet to be identified as a unique group in need of
different treatment protocols. Past emphasis in self-care has
focused on individuals in their own health management, teaching
about the disease, and skills to improve outcomes. This approach
has not been enormously successful in prevention of complications
and co- morbidities. It is essential to identify those factors in selfmanagement
which include the client’s perceptions of adherence to
their treatment.
There are several unique problems in the management of 65year
and older diabetic patients. Visual disturbances occur as a
result of the normal aging process, which in this group, are further
exacerbated by poor glucose control. Decreased activities of daily
living result in decreased food intake and may contribute to a
hypoglycemic state. If the elders are physically inactive, they are
more predisposed to obesity. Adding to this conundrum, elderly
may experience cognitive impairment, which further decreases
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