Evaluation Of Knowledge And Self-Management Of Patents Living With Type-2 Diabetes In South - South Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Study

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and self-management of type-2 diabetes among patients in South - South Nigeria: a cross sectional study. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing public health concern globally, and understanding the knowledge and self-management practices of individuals with this condition is crucial for effective disease management and prevention of complications. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional research design and utilized quantitative methods of data collection. A simple random sampling method of balloting with replacement was used to recruit 114 patients with Type-2 diabetic attending UCTH for the study. Data collection focused on patients' knowledge and self - management of Type 2 diabetes, including dietary modification, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring and, physical activity and contact with health – care professionals. Association between age, level of educational, monthly income and gender , were investigated. Results: Data analysis involved the statistical analysis of quantitative data using chi-square test for association. Findings revealed that majority 87 (76.3%) possess good knowledge of diabetes self-management with a knowledge mean score of 10.73 while 74 (64.9%) had high level of self-management of diabetes with a practice mean score of 18.30. The demographic characteristics of the patients that associated with self-management practice included; male gender, older in age, higher educational level and higher monthly income at (p<0.05). More so, the study showed a significant association between knowledge and diabetes self-management at (r-cal = of 0.825: r-crit. = 0.208). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes showed good knowledge and good diabetes self – management. Nonetheless, to optimize diabetes management and improve health outcome, accurate and up to date information to the patients are essential.