Influence of socio-demographic characteristics on management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among T2DM clients in Nyandarua South Sub-County, Kenya

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with most complications leading to morbidity and mortality amongst population subsets if not managed. In every six seconds, a person dies from DM or DM related complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has markedly increased necessitating active development and implementation of efficient management programs addressing sociodemographic characteristics of diabetic clients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on management of T2DM among type 2 diabetic clients in Nyandarua South sub-County, Kenya.
Methods: A cross-sectional facility based study design was used. The study population comprised T2DM clients, aged above 18 years. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample of 294 clients who consented to participate in the study. Data was collected by use of a semi-structured researcher administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics were computed to generate frequencies, mean, median and standard deviation. Relationship between socio-demographic factors and management of T2DM was examined using chi-square and bivariate analyses.
Results: Majority of the participants were females (59.5%). Slightly more than a quarter of the participants (28%) had good knowledge on management of T2DM. College/university education level was found to be significantly associated with participants’ management of T2DM (OR 5.3666 (1.47-19.58), 95% CI, 1.47-19.58, P=0.0109).
Conclusions: Level of education significantly influenced participants’ management of T2DM. The study recommends creation of awareness on T2DM management in Nyandarua County so as to improve clients’ knowledge of management interventions for T2DM health education on T2DM management practices to empower clients to effectively manage the condition.