Proportion and predictors of SMBG use among type 2 diabetic subjects in three tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka City

Aims: The aim was to find out the proportion of Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) Users and factors affecting the nonuse in three large hospitals of Dhaka city. Methods: Under an observational cross-sectional design 598 type 2 diabetic subjects were recruited (convenient sampling) from the OPDs of 3 large tertiary care hospitals [one public hospital (PUBH), one Not-for-profit Hospital (NFPPH), and one For-profit private hospital (FPPH)] in Dhaka City. Data were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate analysis as appropriate. Results: Overall 71% of subjects were SMBG Nonusers (PUBH 86%, NFPPH 67%, and FPPH 46%). Monthly income status and advice showed the highest impact (OR 4.66 and 3.74 respectively) on the use. Physicians (54%), relatives (34%), and friends (8.2%) were the major sources of advice. Irregular diabetes check-up and distrust of results were also among the major reasons for not using SMBG among the Nonusers. Conclusion: Nearly three-fourth of type 2 diabetic patients in Dhaka city do not use SMBG and the proportion is especially high in public hospitals. Poor income status of patients, lack of coordinated advice/motivation by Caregivers, irregularity in diabetes checking, and distrust on results are major predictors for not using SMBG by the patients.

Automated summary

In three large hospitals in Dhaka city, the study aimed to determine the proportion of Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) users and identify factors influencing nonuse. Among 598 type 2 diabetic subjects, 71% were found to be SMBG nonusers, with the highest proportion in public hospitals. Monthly income status and advice were the most impactful factors on SMBG use, with physicians, relatives, and friends being the major sources of advice. Irregular diabetes check-up and distrust of results were also significant reasons for nonuse among SMBG nonusers.