Social support from family, associated factors and relationship with glycemic control among diabetic patients in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: social support from family members in diabetes management is a predictor of optimal glucose control. There is limited evidence of the relationship in Uganda. The objective was to determine association of social support from family and glycemic control, and association of social demographic and clinical characteristics with family support among diabetic patients in eastern Uganda. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study involving 405 adult patients attending diabetic clinics between May 2021 and June 2021. Socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, social support from family, and glycemic control data were collected. Descriptive statistics were done and associations were determined using Pearson chi-square and Fisher´s exact tests. Generalized linear model was used to determine independent association with social support from family. RESULTS: the mean age was 52 years, (60%) were female, majority (49.4%) were 45-64 years old. Perceived social support from family (PSS-fa) and good glucose control were found in; (95.3%) and (20.99%) respectively. PSS-fa was associated with good glucose control. Financial contribution from family members to cost of care, cohesion among family members in support of care, being (married/cohabiting) and monthly income ≥28 USD were associated with PSS-fa. Factors independently associated with PSS-fa were; female gender, financial contribution to cost of care and cohesion among family in support of care. CONCLUSION: social support from family was associated with good glycemic control. Factors associated with PSS-fa were; female gender, financial contribution from family to cost of care and cohesion among family in support of care.