Implementing diabetes self-management education (DSME) in a Nigerian population: perceptions of practice nurses and dieticians

Abstract

Hyperglycaemic complication is the most common cause of hospitalization amongst diabetes patients in Nigeria. Research showed that diabetes self-management education (DSME) assists in controlling hyperglycaemia in diabetes patients. We assessed the opinions of practice nurses and dieticians on implementing DSME in a Nigerian population. 517 nurses and dieticians completed a self-administered questionnaire tool. Results showed that the majority of the participants agreed that DSME in a Nigerian population will assist patients (88.3%) and assist to reduce diabetes complications (91.4%). While only 34% of all participants believed that their establishments were prepared to implement DSME, a large proportion of the participants agreed that their work places do not have enough qualified health personnel (62.4%), educational facilities (65.8%) and economic resources (65.6%) to embark on DSME. These constitute significant barriers for effective DSME and demand that strategic investment in human and material resources for DSME is needed in this population of a developing country.

• Developing countries
• diabetes complications
• diabetes education
• diabetes self-management

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Publication and Research Fund from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. We thank the Research Assistant Ms Chioma Linda for her assistance in the distribution and collection of the research questionnaires. We appreciate the cooperation of the relevant Health Authorities.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.