Belgüzar Kara1. 1. Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey sb.kara@mynet.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate self-rated health (SRH) and determine its associations with participant characteristics, glycemic control, family support, and health-related quality of life in older Turkish adults with type 2 diabetes. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 113 adults aged 60 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected by using an information form, the Perceived Social Support From Family Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile. SRH was assessed by a single-item question. Glycemic control was measured by glycosylated hemoglobin levels. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients (85.8%) evaluated their health as fair or poor. The glycemic target level (glycosylated hemoglobin <7.5%) was achieved in 47.8% of the patients. Female gender, a low or moderate family income, and lower levels of family support were associated with poorer SRH. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The majority of the participants considered their health to be fair or poor. Better understanding of risk factors associated with SRH may provide more effective interventions to improve health outcomes.
PURPOSE: To evaluate self-rated health (SRH) and determine its associations with participant characteristics, glycemic control, family support, and health-related quality of life in older Turkish adults with type 2 diabetes. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 113 adults aged 60 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected by using an information form, the Perceived Social Support From Family Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile. SRH was assessed by a single-item question. Glycemic control was measured by glycosylated hemoglobin levels. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients (85.8%) evaluated their health as fair or poor. The glycemic target level (glycosylated hemoglobin <7.5%) was achieved in 47.8% of the patients. Female gender, a low or moderate family income, and lower levels of family support were associated with poorer SRH. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The majority of the participants considered their health to be fair or poor. Better understanding of risk factors associated with SRH may provide more effective interventions to improve health outcomes.