Online cross-sectional survey on the plight of patients with diabetes mellitus regarding primary self-care during the first COVID-19 enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila from March to May 2020

• Main Authors: Dablio, Annika Myona P., Elinzano, Jack C., Ervas, Faye Beatrice V., Malañgen, Ivy Katrina K., Gan, Rosita Roldan
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: Diabetes—Philippines; Diabetics—Philippines; Self-care, Health—Philippines; Patient self-monitoring—Philippines; COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- —Influence; Public Health
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/11321
• Institution: De La Salle University

The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implemented from March 17 to May 30, 2020, in Metro Manila due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact on our society. However, the predicament among patients with preexisting conditions such as diabetics is of greater concern. Medical facilities were overwhelmed by the needs of COVID-19 patients, and patients having other medical conditions were discouraged from casually visiting the hospital for consultation due to the risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 107 diabetic participants aged 22 to 76 years. This study aimed to describe the plight of diabetics regarding their disease before and during the ECQ. Through this study, challenges and coping capabilities were identified. The survey revealed that, prior to the pandemic, diabetic patients were already having difficulty following their treatment regimen despite awareness of the benefits of following it. During the ECQ, patients with high educational attainment and financial capability also had insecurities regarding the adequacy of medication and glucose test strip supplies, maintaining the recommended level of physical activity, and access to medical attention. Majority of the participants continued to rely on personal out-of-pocket expenditure during the ECQ despite the government’s amelioration program.