Myths and misconceptions about insulin initiation among diabetics in a rural health sector of southern India

 

S B Jaikar^1*, R Sharvegar²

 

 

Abstract              Background: Urbanisation and industrialisation has affected health of humans over decades around world, likewise the incidence of people living with diabetes has increased in rural India. Being a chronic lifelong illness Diabetes pose lots of economical burden, along with associated morbidity and mortality. Insulin being the drug of choice in type 1 diabetes and most of the medical situations among type 2 diabetes has created a barrier of thoughts in diabetic patients and attendants of diabetics to the extent of doubting the decision of doctor. Objective: To study the common myths and misconceptions about initiation of insulin among diabetics in a rural health sector. Material and Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive study over 36 months among diabetics attending both In and Out patient departments. Results: Most patients believed that insulin is addictive and its dose was directly proportional to the severity of disease. Insulin therapy leads to many of the end organ dysfunction including limb amputation and neural damage. Many Expressed concern over its storage, transportation and administration stating that it requires skilled training and would burden them economically. Conclusion: Reasons of reluctance to insulin initiation is common in rural India. Many of reasons are mere myths and misconceptions, due to lack of basic knowledge about the diabetes and its complications along with treatment modalities including insulin. Health education by peripheral health care workers, diabetic health educator, media and treating doctor are of prime importance to dispel the myths and allay the fear of misconception.

Key Words: Attendants, Barrier, Insulin imitation, Myths and Misconception, Medical Scenario.