Insulin Injection Practices and Patients' Perceptions Among Diabetic Patients at Al-Eskan Primary Health Care Center, Makkah Al-Mukarramah: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.2335Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness of proper insulin injection techniques among diabetic patients using insulin in Makkah Al-Mukaramah.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in 2022 among diabetic patients attending Al-Eskan PHCC in Makkah Al-Mukaramah. A total of 105 participants were included in the study.
Results: Of the 105 participants, 53.3% were male, and 46.7% were female. The majority (77.1%) used long-acting insulin, with common needle lengths being 6 mm (39.0%) and 4 mm (35.2%). Injection sites commonly used were the abdomen and thigh (26.7%). A majority (93.3%) followed a rotating system for injection sites, and 81.9% cleaned the injection area with alcohol before injecting. One-third (33.3%) of patients reported reusing needles, and 43.8% experienced insulin leakage after injection. Insulin dripping from the pen was reported by 39.0% of participants. Disposal practices were suboptimal, with 53.3% disposing of needles with a cover, while 17.1% disposed of them without a cover. Almost all (99%) disposed of used needles in public garbage. One-third (35.2%) of participants had never reviewed the full injection instructions, and 28.6% last reviewed them 1.5 years ago. Regarding hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, 39.0% and 56.2% reported experiencing these conditions, respectively, in the past 6 months. Concerns about potential injury from used needles were raised by 35.2% of participants.
Conclusion: The study revealed a need for enhanced education on proper insulin injection techniques and disposal practices. Significant associations were found between needle reuse and swelling at the injection site (p=0.044), as well as between injection site swelling and higher HbA1C levels (p<0.0001). Further interventions are required to improve knowledge and practices to prevent complications such as injection site issues and poor glycemic control.
