A Study to Assess the Factors Hindering in self Insulin Administration among Diabetic Individuals

One of the greatest challenges faced by the modern world is Diabetes mellitus (DM). The physical, social and economic factors involved in the management of diabetes are a continuous strain for the health sector and the government agencies. It is expected that approximately 366 million people will be affected by Diabetes Mellitus by the year 20301. Due to the increased number of people with Diabetes Mellitus using insulin in recent years, more emphasis should be given to the standardization and improvement of insulin administration technique, focusing on properly teaching this technique so that people become aware of their responsibility and make less mistakes during insulin administration. In patients with diabetes, physicians are often concerned about increasing functional limitations that may impede a successful self-management. In particular, the correct handling of the insulin injection requires complex self-management abilities. Among these functional limitations, loss of visual acuity, loss of manual abilities and cognitive decline are of most importance. Considering all this it is decided to undertake study to assess the factors hindering in self insulin administration among diabetic individuals. A descriptive research design and purposive sampling technique was used. Sample size was 100. Structured checklist was used to assess demographic data, factors such as physical, cognitive, environmental, economic, emotional. Findings of the study shows that 61% are suffering with pain and 46% with bleeding due to injection. 54% samples are unaware about rotation of injection site and 48% samples are unaware about insulin drug temperature. 32% samples have skipped insulin due to more workload at workplace and 28% due to travelling. Majority 45% samples cannot afford new syringe, pen and needle tip for every injection. Comparison of factors hindering self insulin administration among temporary and permanent users shows that temporary users, 43.8% have injection loading difficulties and 63% have injection carrying difficulties where as more number of (50%) permanent users have experienced skin color changes at the site of injection. More number of temporary users fearful, anxious, embarrass and felt overburden for family because of insulin administration and have skipped insulin due to more workload and travelling than permanent users. The finding of the study will be helpful to create awareness related to safe self insulin administration practices by means of modern education technology.