KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF SELF-CARE PRACTICES AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS ATTENDING OUT-PATIENT CLINIC IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a metabolic disorder where insulin deficiency results in excess of glucose in the bloodstream (chronic hyperglycaemia), which has a damaging effect on normal metabolic processes. This study examined the assessment of adherence to diabetic self-care practices among diabetic patients attending the outpatient clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. The research aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude of diabetic self-care practices and their effects on health. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 204 respondents selected through a systematic sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings revealed that 86% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of diabetic selfcare, while 14% had poor knowledge. Regarding attitude, 72% of the respondents exhibited a positive attitude towards adherence to diabetic self-care practices, whereas 28% had a negative attitude. Analysis of the factors influencing adherence showed that 79% of respondents identified several barriers affecting their compliance, while 21% did not consider these as major factors. Prominent factors identified included lack of information on lifestyle management, financial constraints, lack of support from healthcare providers and family members, poor health status, and absence of exercise facilities. Hypothesis testing showed that only educational qualification (p = 0.003) had a statistically significant relationship with knowledge of diabetic self-care, indicating that higher education improved understanding and adherence. Other demographic variables had no significant association. The study concludes that although most diabetic patients in the study area possess good knowledge and a positive attitude towards self-care, several external and internal factors hinder optimal adherence to self-care practices. It is recommended that health education programs be intensified to improve patients‘ self-management skills, and that supportive systems be established to address financial and social barriers. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Self-Care Practices, Knowledge, Attitude, Outpatient Clinic.