By Irodi, Chijike Canis
This study assessed the awareness of, and the adherence to self care activities by type 2 adult diabetic patients attending clinics at the two tertiary hospitals in Imo State. The cross sectional descriptive study design was used. From a population of 2080 registered diabetic patients, a sample of 231 was drawn. Two sampling procedures were used for the study. i.e. stratified random sampling and simple random sampling. Data collection was done using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Validity of the instrument was face to face content validity in line with the purpose, objective and hypothesis set for the study. The reliability of the instrument was determined by the use of test and re-test method using Pearson product moment correlation (R) and a coefficient reliability of 0.98 was obtained. generated data were analysed using SPSS and Chi Square and results presented on tables. Findings revealed no significant relationship between the level of awareness of the self care activities and the practice of the self care. P>0.05. Majority of the respondents were males (56.4%) mostly retired civil servants. While females 43.6%. Predominant age was 50 – 59 years (54.2%), their mean age and standard Deviation was 62.17 ± 13.49 years. Respondents were mostly married 73.0%. The respondents had a high level of awareness of self care activities 70.9%. Respondents awareness of complications associated with neglect to self care activities was high 82.0%. Their adherence level to medication, Diet, Monitoring of blood glucose level and exercise was high 63.0%. Financial constraints, forgetfulness, fear of pricking self, culture and family support, were some of the factors that hinder adherence to self care activities. It was concluded that the awareness and adherence to self care activities of type 2 diabetics in this study was high. There is no significant relationship between the level of adherence and their self care practices. P> 0.05. This shows that the type 2 adult diabetic patients in Imo State have a good knowledge of their self care practices and this has lead them to avert complications associated with lack of self care.