KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS DIABETIC MELLITUS SELF MANAGEMENT AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING DIABETIC CLINIC AT LUBAGA HOSPITAL KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background

In developing countries, treatment adherence reaches a mere 20%, generating negative health statistics and entailing high costs for families, society, and governments. The study aims to assess the knowledge of diabetic mellitus self-management among patients attending diabetic clinics at Lubaga Hospital Kampala district.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study that utilized quantitative data collection methods from 30 respondents.

Results

Respondents had good basic Knowledge about diabetes and self-management but lacked sufficient details about management 20% of the respondents suggested insulin-treated hypertension, 20% for frequent maturation and 60% suggested that it was a diabetic drug. 46.6% suggested others such as headache, dizziness, palpitations, and sweating, 26.67% believed it could cause low blood sugar if administered in excess, 20% did not know the complications of insulin and 6.67% said it has no complications. Regarding home management of hypoglycemic insulin among DM patients’ respondents where 57% had a yes, 20% no, and 23%were not sure.16 (53.3%) of the respondents were female and 14 (46.6%) were male. 66.67% had Type2 while 33.33% had Type1.16(53.3%) participants had oral hypoglycemic drugs, 7(23.3%) insulin therapy and 7(23.3%) could take both.

Conclusion

There were varying levels of Knowledge with many found to have basic information about self-management and care of Diabetes. However, Patients did not have some necessary details about the possible side effects and complications of the drugs they are taking which raises concern to have the gap addressed.  

Recommendation

Adequate time and resources should be put in place to increase interaction and communication with Diabetes patients and their healthcare providers to ensure enough information is delivered in a comprehensible way. The government should set up more health sensitization campaigns that target self-care awareness among people living with non-communicable diseases like Diabetes.