Patient-reported knowledge, perception and practice, regarding diabetic self-management skills and behaviours, in Mokopane Provincial Hospital
Date
2013-11
Authors
Etukudo, Inyang Odiong
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that is a global problem.
The increasing incidence and prevalence globally is of great concern. This condition is a
long-term challenge, which requires behavioural change and adherence to management to
maintain glycaemic control. Good knowledge of diabetes influences adequate self-care
practices, glycaemic control, and overall diabetes management. Incorrect self-care practices
impair the achievement of the desired treatment targets.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine patient-reported knowledge,
perceptions and practice regarding diabetes self-management skills and behaviour through
assessing knowledge, reported practice, and perceptions of diabetic self-management among
adult patients with diabetes attending the diabetic clinic at Mokopane provincial hospital, and
determining the strength of associations between knowledge, reported practice, perception of
self-care and glycaemic control.
DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross sectional study using a
questionnaire on knowledge, perception and self-management practices. Participants were
recruited consecutively until the sample size of 76 was reached. Data was analysed using the
statistical software SPSS version 17.0.
RESULTS: There were more females (71%) and most of the participants (39%) were above
60 years of age. The majority of participants (87%) had a HbA1c of >7%, with a mean
HbA1c of 10.2%. Diabetic knowledge was poor. A majority of the participants answered less
than 50% of the knowledge questions correctly. More than half of the respondents could not
answer the diabetes knowledge questions correctly. The proportion of participants, who
responded positively to 3 of the 4 questions to assess knowledge and perception of self-care,
was in the range of 70-90%. 86% of participants indicated that they had adjusted their diet
since being diagnosed with diabetes. 48% of participants reported that they always adhered
well to medication. Most of the participants (81%) indicated that they do not smoke.
Responses to other questions to assess practice of self-care showed that only 29% of the
participants always practiced the self-care activities stated. There was no statistically
significant association between knowledge of diabetes, practice, perception of self-care and
glycae. CONCLUSION: General knowledge of diabetes and practice of self-care were inadequate,
but perception about diabetes self-care was good. Although many participants had altered
their diet, their diabetic control was poor. Poor general knowledge of diabetes, not practicing
self-care and poor diabetic control were found in the majority of participants although there
was no statistically significant association among these measures.mic control (HbA1c).
Description
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD
OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF FAMILY MEDICINE, FACULTY OF HEALTH
SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND.