Background of the Study
Diabetes management in the elderly is a complex and multifaceted challenge that demands specialized nursing care to mitigate complications and enhance quality of life. In Bauchi State, the prevalence of diabetes among elderly patients is on the rise, reflecting global trends of increasing chronic diseases in aging populations (Abdullahi, 2023). Nurses play a pivotal role in managing diabetes through patient education, medication management, routine monitoring, and the provision of psychosocial support. However, differences in the healthcare settings, resource allocation, and the level of professional training may impact the effectiveness of diabetes management across various facilities.
The role of nurses in diabetes care extends beyond clinical interventions to include holistic patient management, which is particularly crucial for elderly patients who often have multiple comorbidities and face unique challenges in self-care (Garba & Musa, 2024). In Bauchi State, variations in hospital infrastructure, staff-to-patient ratios, and access to continuous professional development contribute to differing outcomes in diabetes management. The professional practice of nursing in this context is not only about administering medication but also about tailoring care plans that address nutritional needs, physical activity, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Recent studies have underscored the importance of specialized training in geriatric care and chronic disease management for nurses. Enhanced knowledge and skills can lead to improved patient adherence, reduced hospitalization rates, and better glycemic control (Ibrahim, 2024). However, there is limited comparative data on how nurses in different healthcare settings implement diabetes management strategies in Bauchi State. This study aims to compare the roles and approaches of nurses in managing diabetes among elderly patients in diverse healthcare settings, thereby providing insights into best practices and areas for improvement.
Understanding the nuances of nursing roles in diabetes care is essential for developing targeted training programs and policy interventions. The study will also explore the impact of organizational culture, available resources, and continuing education on the effectiveness of nursing practices. In an era where chronic diseases continue to burden healthcare systems, such comparative analyses are critical in ensuring that elderly patients receive the best possible care (Sani et al., 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Diabetes is a chronic condition that demands continuous management and poses significant health risks, especially for the elderly. In Bauchi State, there is growing concern over the adequacy of diabetes management provided by nurses, given the evolving healthcare landscape and the increasing prevalence of the disease. Although nurses are integral to the management of diabetes, variations in their roles, competencies, and the resources available to them may lead to inconsistent patient outcomes. Preliminary observations suggest that differences in the quality of nursing care exist between healthcare facilities, potentially leading to disparities in diabetes management and patient education among the elderly (Yakubu, 2023).
One of the major challenges is the lack of standardized protocols for diabetes management tailored to elderly patients. Nurses in some facilities may rely on outdated practices, while others benefit from ongoing professional development and access to modern technologies. This inconsistency can result in inadequate patient monitoring, improper medication administration, and insufficient patient education, ultimately affecting glycemic control and increasing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, and retinopathy (Abdullahi & Suleiman, 2024).
Furthermore, organizational factors such as staffing levels, workload, and institutional support play a significant role in shaping the nurse’s ability to manage diabetes effectively. In settings where nurses are overburdened, critical aspects of patient care may be neglected. Additionally, the absence of a comprehensive support system for chronic disease management further complicates the effective management of diabetes among elderly patients. This study seeks to systematically compare the roles of nurses in different healthcare settings in Bauchi State, identify gaps in practice, and propose interventions that can standardize and improve diabetes management protocols for the elderly.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on comparing the roles of nurses in managing diabetes among elderly patients across selected healthcare facilities in Bauchi State. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and review of patient records. Limitations include potential variability in self-reported data, differences in institutional policies, and the challenge of generalizing findings beyond the studied facilities.
Definitions of Terms
Chapter One: Introduction
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