Prevalence, major complications of diabetes mellitus and compliance in diabetic patients seeking treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major public health concerns in Kenya today. The ever-increasing numbers of cases being reported serve as an indicator that this condition is a time bomb. Many complications in this condition whose effects are disastrous and tragic are because of poor control and management practices. This study therefore, sought to investigate the institutional prevalence and burden of the major complications that arise due to late diagnosis and poor management of this condition. The survey determined the prevalence of the disease and the major complications that afflict the diabetics at Kenyatta National Hospital. The results indicated that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is on the increase. The obtained results indicate that diabetes mellitus is indeed becoming a serious threat to human health and should be addressed with the urgency it requires if its negative effects and resultant complications are to be reversed.

The level of patient compliance to their prescribed regimen was found to be relatively good and was affected by level of income, occupation, education level. It was established that adherence to diabetic regimen is not necessary influenced by the duration of the illness or suffering contrary to the works of Gicheru, 1978 at the same institution. The results further showed that access to relevant information and stable income are integral to successful management.

The study was carried out in the diabetic clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital. Data was collected using the prevalence/incident survey and patient questionnaire forms. Data was entered and analyzed using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages were used to determine the prevalence/incidence of diabetes of the patients that come to seek treatment at KNH. T-test was used to compare the means. Cross tabulations were used to establish relationships between variables. One-way ANOVA was employed to relate late diagnosis and development of complications. Linear regression was used to evaluate risks for diabetes.

It was recommended that the Government and the entire population of Kenya

Recognize diabetes as a serious public health problem and Design an educational program to create awareness to the general public.

Develop and implement a National diabetes programme.

Allocate resources to prevent and manage diabetes. Provide resources for research.

Make available and affordable insulin and other medications and supplies needed for managing Diabetes. Kenyan population. Struggling families in Kenya are sometimes forced to have to make hard choices between food and medication and therefore the cost of insulin should be subsided for the common man to afford.