Non-Expert Health Communication and Its Influence on Diabetes Self-Management Practices Among Patients in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State

This study assessed non-expert health communication and its influence on diabetes selfmanagement practices among patients in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State. Social cognitive theory was anchored in this study. This study adopted an interpretivist research philosophy. Guided by this philosophy, a descriptive survey design was employed, utilising in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study population comprised adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, estimated at 1,200 individuals based on hospital records from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit (University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, 2025). A sample size of 12 participants was determined using purposive sampling, ensuring that those selected had lived experiences relevant to non-expert health communication and were actively involved in daily self-care. Participants were recruited through a combination of purposive and convenience sampling techniques, allowing for the inclusion of patients who were willing and able to provide detailed accounts of their experiences. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides for one-on-one interviews and structured discussion prompts for focus group sessions. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. The findings revealed that family members, peers, religious and community leaders, and mass media were the primary sources of informal health information. Participants reported that advice from these sources occurred frequently in daily routines, social interactions, and media consumption, shaping both their knowledge and perceptions of diabetes management. The study concluded that non expert sources, including family, peers, community leaders, and media, play a significant role in shaping patients’ knowledge and perceptions of diabetes self-management, highlighting the importance of considering social and informal networks when addressing patient education. The study recommended that the Healthcare providers and hospital educators should collaborate with families, community leaders, and media outlets to ensure that accurate diabetes information is shared through trusted informal channels