Background of the Study
Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, is a major health problem in Nigeria. The prevalence of diabetes is rising due to increasing rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet (Nwachukwu et al., 2023). Proper management of diabetes is essential to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. One of the critical components of managing diabetes is self-management education (SME), which empowers patients to take control of their condition through lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels (Adedoyin et al., 2024).
Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play an essential role in diabetes management, particularly in educating patients on self-management strategies. At Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, nurses are often involved in the education of diabetic patients, helping them understand the importance of diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and medication adherence (Ibe et al., 2023). However, there is limited research on the level of knowledge nurses have regarding effective diabetes self-management education and the extent to which they practice it in real-world settings. This study aims to assess nurses’ knowledge of diabetes mellitus self-management education and their practices in teaching diabetic patients at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Statement of the Problem
Diabetes mellitus requires comprehensive management, and patient education is a cornerstone of achieving long-term health outcomes. However, studies indicate that there are gaps in nurses' knowledge of self-management strategies for diabetes, which may affect the quality of patient education. At Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, it is unclear whether nurses are adequately prepared to educate diabetic patients on the necessary lifestyle changes and self-monitoring practices. This study will appraise the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding diabetes mellitus self-management education and identify barriers to effective patient education.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of knowledge of diabetes mellitus self-management education among nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
To evaluate the practices of nurses in educating diabetic patients on self-management strategies.
To identify barriers faced by nurses in providing diabetes mellitus self-management education at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge of diabetes mellitus self-management education among nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital?
What practices do nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital use to educate diabetic patients on self-management?
What barriers do nurses face in providing diabetes mellitus self-management education at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses with higher knowledge of diabetes mellitus self-management education are more likely to provide effective patient education.
There is a significant relationship between the availability of educational resources and the effectiveness of nurses' diabetes self-management education.
Nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital face significant barriers in providing diabetes mellitus self-management education.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital who are involved in the care and education of diabetic patients. It will assess their knowledge, practices, and the barriers they face in delivering diabetes mellitus self-management education. A limitation of the study is that it is based on self-reported data, which may introduce bias into the results.
Definitions of Terms
Diabetes Mellitus: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.
Self-Management Education (SME): The process of teaching patients with diabetes how to manage their condition through lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular blood glucose monitoring.
Nurses' Knowledge: The understanding that nurses have of diabetes mellitus, its management, and self-management education practices.
Patient Education: The process of providing patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their health condition independently.
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