Exploration of self-management strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients in rural community health centers: A descriptive study

This study investigates the self-management strategies of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in rural settings, addressing a significant gap in current diabetes research. Focusing on a rural community in Indonesia, the study aims to understand the unique challenges and practices in managing T2DM where healthcare resources are limited. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, the research surveyed 50 T2DM patients at a private hospital's outpatient facility. The study's findings reveal a predominant trend of moderate self-management among participants, highlighting the crucial role of patient education, family support, and community engagement in effective diabetes care. It emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs and patient-centered healthcare approaches, especially in resource-constrained rural areas. The research underscores the importance of integrating local cultural and socio-economic contexts into diabetes care strategies. Moreover, the study suggests the potential role of digital health tools in bridging healthcare gaps in rural communities. Despite its contributions, the study acknowledges limitations such as potential biases in self-reported data and limited generalizability beyond the rural Indonesian context. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into diabetes self-management in rural settings and suggests directions for future interventions and policy-making to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for patients with T2DM in similar communities.