Home self monitoring of blood glucose using a glucometer and its determinants among diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Home self-monitoring of blood glucose is when a patient checks their own blood glucose levels using a glucose meter. It is an appropriate way to treat and prevent acute complications of diabetes mellitus. However, there is little study found in the study area. Therefore, this finding aimed to assess home self-monitoring of blood glucose using a glucometer and its socio-demographic factors that will provide feedback for health professionals as well as for patients to intervene early. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at DTCSH from March 1 to 30, 2024. A total of 226 respondents were included in this study. The systematic random sampling technique was employed for selected study participants, and data was collected using pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaires. We used SPSS version 20 software for data analysis. Statistical significance for possible associated factors was tested using a p-value < 0.05 and CI 95%. From this finding, only 37.2% of study participants had self-monitoring of blood glucose using a glucometer at home. From the study, 32.4% had good knowledge, and 32.6% had good practice regarding home self-monitoring of blood glucose. Ownership of glucometers (AOR = 4.76 (2.27-9.9)), getting advice (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI (1.64-6.74)), educational level (AOR = 3.75; 95% CI (2.32-7.89)), and residence (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI (1.44-2.6)) were determinants of home self-monitoring of blood glucose using a glucometer. The finding showed only less than half of the study participants had home self-monitoring of blood glucose using a glucometer. Ownership of glucometers, getting advice on self-blood glucose monitoring, educational level, and residency were determinant factors of home self-monitoring blood glucose. Therefore, the health care providers should increase the awareness of diabetic patients on home self-monitoring of blood glucose.