Compliance to recommended glycemic control levels among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in level 4 hospitals in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the fourth leading cause of noncommunicable diseases globally; with a rising number of  premature deaths since 2010 to 2016 by 5%.

Objective: The study aimed at determining compliance with recommended glycemic control levels among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in level 4 hospitals in Kisii County, Kenya.

Design: Cross-sectional analytical study at four Level 4 Hospitals, analyzed by use of SPSS Version 21, to formulate descriptive statistics  and inferential results.

Results: 224 patients enrolled, 56.3% being male, mean age was 47.21 (SD = 14.351) years and 96.9% had primary education. 46.4% did  not know normal blood sugar levels. The determinants of poor glycemic control were; exercise (p = 0.002, 71.4% never exercised), self- testing (p < 0.001, 61% of those self-testing with good Glycemic Control(GC)), trust to Health Care workers(HCWs) (p = 0.044, 50% trusted HCW) and how they knew blood sugar is uncontrolled (p < 0.001; 50% came to realize while seeking health services).

Conclusion: There  was a marked knowledge gap about diabetes mellitus and glycemic control among people in the community who came for follow-up in  the four level four health facilities. Also need for exercise, self-testing, patientcentered care and early detection.