THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURED DIABETIC SELF-CARE EDUCATION ON GLYCAEMIC CONTROL AMONG ADULTS WITH TYPE-2 DIABETES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

In Sub-Sahara Africa, diabetes is adversely reducing life expectancy partially due to inadequate diabetes self-care practice. Numerous folks with diabetes lack the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively manage their own condition. This study determined the effectiveness of a structured diabetes self-care education (DSCE) intervention versus routine care on glycaemic control among adults with type-2 diabetes attending a Family Medicine Clinic.We offered a DSME intervention and assessed how it affected patients’ self-reported levels of diabetes knowledge, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and diabetes self-care activities. Overall, there was poor diabetes knowledge at baseline (7.29 ± 2.81) among study participants. The difference in the mean Diabetes Knowledge scores before and after the DSME intervention was significantly greater in the intervention arm (mean difference = 13.29; 95% CI = 12.78 – 13.79; p <0.001). Both groups showed improvement in mean glycosylated haemoglobin from baseline to post intervention however, the mean difference (2.04%) between the intervention and the routine care groups was statistically significant (95% CI = 2.35 – 3.73; p <0.0001).Our study found significant improvements among the intervention group. The DSME tool impact positively  on participants’ diabetes knowledge scores. Hence, our DSME intervention is clinically useful in diabetes mellitus self care.