ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT KIGEME DISTRICT HOSPITAL, RWANDA

This research investigated the factors influencing home-based care for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among elderly patients at Kigeme District Hospital in Nyamagabe, Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, with 384 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted using self-administered questionnaires, and SPSS was used for analysis, including univariate and bivariate analyses, followed by binary logistic regression to account for potential confounding variables. Findings indicated that 95% of the participants used home-based care for diabetes management. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, education, marital status, and income were found to affect diabetes knowledge, with age and education being the most influential. Knowledge was a critical determinant of self-care practices, with those demonstrating higher knowledge levels showing better adherence to self-care routines. However, only 56.8% of participants reported practicing moderate self-care, and 38.3% had moderate knowledge of diabetes signs, symptoms, and home management. Married participants had the highest levels of diabetes knowledge, while those with low knowledge showed less effective self-care practices. The study highlights the importance of tailored diabetes education programs for the elderly, focusing on enhancing their knowledge and self-care practices for improved diabetes management.