Self-care Practices and Associated Factors Among People Living with Diabetes Mellitus in Ilorin, North-Central, Nigeria: A Hospital-Based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder of increasing global concern due to its rising prevalence and associated complications. Self-care practices are critical towards effectively managing the condition; however, these practices are often influenced by other factors. This study assessed self-care practices and the factors influencing them among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 T2DM patients selected by systematic random sampling between January and March 2025. Data were collected through interviewer-administered, structured questionnaires. Self-care domains assessed included: Self-blood glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, medication adherence, foot care, and home monitoring of blood pressure and weight.Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of participants was 58.8 ± 11 years, with females comprising 64.1%. Although 76.5% of respondents were aware of self-care practices, the overall average adherence rate was 44.6%. Regular blood glucose monitoring (82.4%) and clinic follow- up (69.3%) were the most common practices, while the least reportedwas foot care (17.6%). The Chi-square test showed that employment status had a statistically significant association with diabetes self-care practices (p = 0.046), with employed respondents being more likely to report good self-care practices compared with those who were unemployed or retired. Though the awareness was high, self-care practices among T2DM patients were relatively low. Gender and employment status emerged as significant determinants, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions to promote health education and improve access to resourcestowards fostering better self-care practices.