Association between self-care practices and social support among diabetic patients: A facility-based cross-sectional study in Vietnam’s primary healthcare facilities

ABSTRACT Context: Self-care is critical for effective diabetes management. Social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers enhances adherence to self-care behaviors. However, evidence on these factors in Vietnam is limited. Aims: To assess self-care practices among diabetic patients and examine their associations with social support in a primary healthcare setting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 493 diabetic patients randomly selected from ten health stations. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, and medical record reviews. The summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) was used to assess self-care, and the chronic illness resources survey measured social support. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using Stata version 17. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to examine associations between social support and self-care, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The mean SDSCA score was 3.27 ± 1.11, with only 24.9% of patients demonstrating good self-care. Medication adherence was highest (89.7%), while self-monitoring of blood glucose was lowest (3.0%). Factors associated with improved self-care included age 60–70, male gender, higher education, longer duration of care, good glycemic control, and stronger social support. Support from healthcare providers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.47–5.55) and family/friends (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.43–2.45) was significantly associated with better self-care. Conclusions: Self-care among diabetic patients in Vietnam’s primary healthcare settings remains suboptimal. Enhancing social support, particularly from healthcare providers, family, and friends, along with promoting sustained engagement, may help improve adherence to self-care practices.