Knowledge and Self-Management Practices of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Kibagabaga District Hospital
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global public health concern. In Rwanda, its prevalence continues to rise, yet limited information exists regarding patients’ diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management practices. Objective: This study assessed diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management among patients with T2DM attending Kibagabaga District Hospital. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 198 patients with T2DM selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. Results: Of the 198 participants, 63.6% were female, with a mean age of 52.4 years (SD = 11.83). The mean duration since diagnosis of diabetes was 4.5 years. Comorbidities were reported in 33.3% of participants, predominantly hypertension (16.7%). More than half (55.1%, n = 109) demonstrated adequate diabetes-specific knowledge, while 97% (n = 192) showed poor self-management practices. No significant association was found between diabetes-specific knowledge and self-management levels. However, self-management was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with social class (Ubudehe category) and the presence of comorbidities. Conclusion: Although many patients exhibited fair diabetes-specific knowledge, self-management practices remained poor. Further research is needed to identify barriers to effective self-care, and targeted interventions should be implemented to improve diabetes education and management among patients in Rwanda.
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7116669649