Factors Affecting Insulin Self-injection Procedure by Elderly Outpatients with Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to identify the factors that affect the proper use of the insulin self-injection procedure by elderly outpatients with diabetes.

Methods: The current study included patients with diabetes aged 65 years or older who self-injected insulin at home. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the 15 factors that could affect the proper use of the self-injection procedure as independent variables and the ability to self-inject insulin properly as a dependent variable.

Results: A total of 105 subjects with a mean age of 74.0 ± 5.4 years were included in the study. Based on the logistic regression analysis, high cognitive function as measured by Hasegawa’s Dementia Scale-Revised (odds ratio: 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.33) and the presence of support from medical staff, mainly nurses (odds ratio: 6.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.43 to 28.28), were considered the factors associated with the proper use of the self-injection procedure.

Conclusion: Impaired cognitive function increases the likelihood of difficulty in self-injecting insulin. However, this study suggested that support from medical staff increased the likelihood of the proper use of the self-injection procedure.