Diabetes Knowledge and Self-Care Practices Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Uvira, Kiliba, Sange, and Luvungi, South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess baseline knowledge and self-care practices about diabetes mellitus (DM) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Uvira, Kiliba, Sange, and Luvungi (U-KI-SA-LU), South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 T2DM patients (179 men and 149 women) in U-KI-SA-LU, South Kivu Province of DRC from February 1 to April 30, 2024. Data were collected using pretested questionnaires and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and <i>F</i> statistic for the analysis of variance test with value of <i>P</i> < .05 as the level of statistical significance.ResultsOf the 328 participants, 188 (57.4%) had good general knowledge about DM; only 149 (45.4%) had good self-care practices about DM. Being married, having higher education, and being on insulin injection were associated with good knowledge; only being married was associated with good self-care practices toward DM. Surprisingly, 167 (50.9%) of the participants never had an eye examination, only 51 (15.5%) ate fruits for 3 or more days over the past 7 days, and 77 (23.5%) had access to a personal glucometer.ConclusionsStructured educational programs are needed to improve DM knowledge and self-care practices in order to slow down the progression of DM and prevent complications. These results also suggest raising awareness about health care professionals' role in DM management through not only continuing education programs but also traditional media, including print advertising, television, radio, and newspapers.