Diabetic knowledge and self-management amongst type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Kibagabaga District Hospital

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.