SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the nature and extent of knowledge of cause, prevention and treatment of diabetes among diabetic patients. It sought to relate their diabetic management skills to knowledge, social and educational status, as well as attendance of diabetic association meetings. The study was carried out at the Medical out-patient department, university college hospital, Ibadan and was limited to the clinical setting. In all one hundred and fifty (150) male and female, young and old diabetic patients were studied, after a pre-test on twenty (20) diabetic patients at adeoyo state hospital, Ibadan. A case study design was employed. Detailed information was obtained at one contact. Observation and interview using an interview guide were used for data collection. The interview schedule were drawn both in English language and Yoruba (Yoruba language being the medium of communication in the locality). Patients interviewed were selected using systematic random sampling method. Based on the information gathered data were presented in a descriptive manner as examples and case studies. Chi-square test (x² ) and z test were used to verify statistical association between variables. The sex distribution of the respondents showed the males to be 54% and 46%. More than one third of the respondents were insulin – dependent. Various symptoms led respondents to seek care in the hospital, prominent among which were, excessive, urination, persistent thirst, excessive eating and loss of weight. Since the onset of diabetes, the insulin-dependent respondents were admitted in the hospital on the average of 1.27 times while the non-insulin dependents were admitted on an average of 0.50 times. With clinic appointments, the insulin dependents had an average of 4.75 appointment while the non-insulin dependents had an average of 4.25 appointment within a period of six months. Areas where respondents had adequate knowledge of the management of diabetes were identified. These included knowledge of diet for diabetics and consequences of adherence to the dietery regulation; knowledge of the complications of diabetes; testing urine for sugar; and the insulin dependents respondents were skillful in injecting themselves with insulin. Findings showed that respondents complied with their clinic appointments and adhered to recommended medication regimes. Findings from the study identified areas where respondents were defiant in the knowledge of diabetes. These included knowledge of causes of diabetes; knowledge of measuring insulin into the syringe and knowledge of appropriate insulin dosage. Because of problems encountered respondents received support from their children, parents, spouse, friends and relatives, hospital, social welfare and the Church/Mosque. Respondents stated that they had knowledge of the presence of the health educator and dietitian assigned to the department; that they counseled and educated patients and members of their families on the management, and skills for the care of diabetes. For the improvement of services respondents wanted the hospital to provide medication for diabetes on regular basis and to improve the educational programmed organized for patients. Respondents wanted the Diabetic Association, to improve on the procedure it adopts to procure medication for its members and to ensure that other diabetic patients join and become active members of the Association. On the basis of the findings and the conclusions drawn, relevant recommendations were made with respect to the health education needs of diabetic patients.