An Evaluation of Barriers to Insulin Adherence among Diabetic Patients in Kano State Hospitals
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study: Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a growing health concern worldwide. In Nigeria, the prevalence of diabetes has been increasing, with Kano State experiencing a high number of diabetic patients (Eze & Oluwaseun, 2023). Insulin therapy is critical for the management of diabetes, especially for type 1 diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes (Akinmoladun et al., 2024). Despite the proven efficacy of insulin in controlling blood glucose levels and preventing complications, many diabetic patients struggle with insulin adherence (Bola et al., 2023). Factors contributing to poor insulin adherence can be multifaceted, including psychological, social, economic, and healthcare system-related factors (Ladejobi et al., 2023).
Kano State, with its large population and varying levels of access to healthcare services, may present specific barriers to insulin adherence. These can range from high costs, lack of education on the importance of insulin, misconceptions about the drug, fear of injection, and cultural stigmas surrounding diabetes and its treatment (Usman et al., 2023). Therefore, understanding these barriers is crucial to designing interventions that can improve insulin adherence, minimize complications, and enhance the overall management of diabetes.
This study seeks to evaluate the barriers to insulin adherence among diabetic patients in hospitals in Kano State, exploring both patient-related and system-related factors.
Statement of the Problem: Despite the availability of insulin as a treatment for diabetes in Kano State, many diabetic patients do not adhere to prescribed insulin regimens, which leads to poor glycemic control and increased risk of diabetes-related complications. Understanding the barriers that contribute to non-adherence is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetes in the state. This study aims to identify these barriers and propose strategies to overcome them.
Objectives of the Study:
- To identify the key barriers to insulin adherence among diabetic patients in Kano State hospitals.
- To assess the impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on insulin adherence in Kano State.
- To explore patients' attitudes and perceptions towards insulin therapy and its impact on adherence.
Research Questions:
- What are the primary barriers to insulin adherence among diabetic patients in Kano State hospitals?
- How do socioeconomic and cultural factors influence insulin adherence in Kano State?
- What are the perceptions and attitudes of diabetic patients towards insulin therapy?
Research Hypotheses:
- Socioeconomic factors, such as income and access to healthcare, significantly affect insulin adherence among diabetic patients.
- Cultural beliefs and misconceptions about insulin therapy contribute to poor adherence among diabetic patients in Kano State.
- Increased education and support programs will improve insulin adherence among diabetic patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on diabetic patients in hospitals in Kano State. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and medical records. Limitations include potential biases in patient self-reporting and the generalizability of findings to other regions or countries with different healthcare systems.
Definitions of Terms:
- Insulin adherence: The degree to which diabetic patients follow their prescribed insulin regimens.
- Diabetes mellitus: A chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to inadequate insulin production or utilization.
- Barriers to adherence: Factors that prevent patients from following their prescribed treatment regimen, such as cost, side effects, or cultural beliefs.
