Abstract:
Background: Globally, Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a public health concern. Although the
prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing in Rwanda, little is known regarding
diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management among Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Purpose:
This study assessed Diabetic knowledge and self-management amongst type 2 diabetes
mellitus patients at Kibagabaga District Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study
design with quantitative approach was used. Non-probability with convenience sampling was
used to select the study participants. To collect data, a self-administered structured
questionnaire was used. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) software, version 25.0.
Results: Out of One hundred ninety-eight (198) persons who
participated in the study, 63.60% were female gender, and the mean age was 52.41 years
(SD=11.83). The mean length of diabetes from its diagnosis was 4.52 years. Over a third of
participants (33.3%) had comorbidities associated with diabetes and hypertension was the
most predominant with a proportion of 16.7%. More than half 55.1 %, (n=109) had
commendable knowledge about diabetes-specific knowledge and 97% (=192) had poor self management practices regarding diabetes. No association was found between Diabetes
Specific Health Knowledge level and self-management practice level. A statistical significant
association with p-value <<0.05 was found between self-care practice level and participants'
social class (Ubudehe category) and participant's with comorbidities.
Conclusion and
recommendations: There was poor self-management practice and a gap in diabetes-specific
health knowledge among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending Kibagabaga District
Hospital. A study on barriers and challenges to self-management among patients living with
type 2 diabetes mellitus is needed. Also, measures and strategies to strengthen and improve
diabetes-specific health knowledge and diabetes self-management in Rwanda are needed.
