Relationship between Impaired Electrolytes, Glycated Hemoglobin and Poor Adherence to Antidiabetics among Patients Attending Samburu County Referral Hospital, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Lengeiya, Francis Lengasu | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-26T08:08:51Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-26T08:08:51Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-06 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Clinical Chemistry Option) in the School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University,June, 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a persistent metabolic disorder that can have devastating effects on patients, resulting in numerous healthcare challenges in terms of its management and the associated cost burden. Adherence to antidiabetics has been consistently sub-optimal in previous studies and remains a significant clinical issue in the management of diabetes. Patients having uncontrolled blood glucose levels often exhibit electrolyte imbalance which greatly influences their treatment. Glycated hemoglobin test, assessing average blood glucose levels over a period of roughly three months, is widely regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes. The aim of this research was to study the relationship between electrolytes and glycated hemoglobin among diabetic patients with poor adherence to antidiabetics. The study was carried out at Samburu County Referral Hospital, employing a descriptive cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling technique involving adult diabetic patients aged 18 years and above who attended the diabetic clinic. Seventy-two patients, (48.6% females, 51.4% males) who were on antidiabetics for at least three months and demonstrated poor adherence, participated in the study. Adherence levels were assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8. Those with adherence scores <6 was categorized as having low adherence and further assessed using a questionnaire to identify factors contributing to poor adherence to antidiabetics. Blood samples were collected to measure glycated hemoglobin levels and serum electrolytes levels, including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and chloride. Serum electrolytes were analyzed using the Selectra Prom biochemistry analyzer while glycated hemoglobin levels were measured using the standard F200 HbA1c analyzer. The relationship between electrolytes and glycated hemoglobin was visualized using scatter plots, and correlation coefficients were determined using the Karl Pearson correlation method. Several factors contributing to poor adherence were identified, with lack of money to buy drugs being the most frequently reported factor (69%) among study participants. A significant correlation was observed between glycated hemoglobin and calcium (r=-0.2398 P ≤0.05) as well as sodium (r=-0.31369 P≤0.05). However, no significant correlation (P≥0.05) was observed between phosphorus, magnesium, chloride and potassium r=, -0.04, -0.07,0.05 and -0.01 respectively, with HbA1c levels. This study revealed that calcium and sodium electrolytes imbalances were significantly present in diabetic patients with poor adherence to antidiabetics. Therefore, routine monitoring of serum electrolytes levels among diabetic patients is paramount. The results highlight the importance of comprehensive diabetes management strategies that address both glycemic control and electrolyte status. The findings from this study can inform policy makers on ways to enhance management of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus as well as inform into causes of non-compliance with antidiabetic medications. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28888 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Relationship between Impaired Electrolytes, Glycated Hemoglobin and Poor Adherence to Antidiabetics among Patients Attending Samburu County Referral Hospital, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |