Clinical validity of the nursing diagnosis risk for unstable blood glucose level in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

Abstract

Objective: To assess clinical-causal validity evidence of the nursing diagnosis, risk for unstable blood glucose level (00179), in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 5 primary healthcare units, involving 107 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 60 in the case group and 47 in the control group. Causality was determined by the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors, risk factors related to the nursing diagnosis, and the occurrence of unstable blood glucose level. An association was considered when the risk factor had a p-value of <0.05 and odds ratio >1.

Results: Risk factors, such as stress, inadequate physical activity, and low adherence to therapeutic regimen, were prevalent in the sample. Time since diagnosis between 1-5 and 6-10 years, multiracial ethnicity, and the risk factor of low adherence to therapeutic regimen increased the likelihood of the outcome. Completion of high school education was identified as a protective factor.

Conclusions: The clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis, risk for unstable blood glucose level, has been successfully established, revealing a clear association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and the risk factors inherent to the nursing diagnosis.

Implications for nursing practice: The results contribute to advancing scientific knowledge related to nursing education, research, and practice and provide support for the evolution of nursing care processes for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.