MIRERC 073/2025 Assessment of Self-Care Behaviours Amongst Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Selected Health Facilities In Maara Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin hormone in the body. It’s is estimated that 1 in every 17 Kenyans has diabetes mellitus and lack of proper self-care has led to treatment complications and premature deaths. It is estimated that more than 50% of all hospital admissions and more than 55% of hospital deaths in Kenya are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Additionally, about 27% of all deaths in Kenya are thought to be secondary to NCDs, with diabetes accounting for approximately 10,000 of these deaths. Self-care behaviors, such as adherence to medication, diet, exercise and monitoring of blood sugar, are critical in effectively managing diabetes mellitus. Majority of this is done independently by patients and family members and it is a key determinant of diabetic outcomes. There are technical guidelines and programs which facilitate implementation of this through diabetes self-management education to the patients. The objective of this study is to assess self-care behaviors amongst diabetic patients attending selected facilities in Maara sub-county in 2024. A descriptive cross-sectional study design will be used on patients aged between 18 and 65 years old under diabetes mellitus follow-up in the selected health facilities within Maara sub-county. Data will be collected using a questionnaire which will be in English and Swahili. The findings will provide current selfcare behaviours, identify areas for improvement and guide on targeted interventions to reduce the burden of diabetes related complications.