Demographic Variables and Self-Management Practices as Correlates of Glycemic Control among Reproductive Age Diabetic Women in a Tertiary Hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Glycemic control remains a major cornerstone in the management of diabetes mellitus. Despite consistent studies, the incidence of both short-and long-term complications of diabetes had been quite alarming. This study employed a descriptive design. A total enumeration of 185 diabetic women of reproductive age constituted the sample size. A self-structured questionnaire with 40 items divided into five sections and a checklist for recording glycemic control were used for data collection. The data analysis involves the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results were presented as frequencies, mean and standard deviation, and regression analysis. The findings from the study revealed that 112 (67.1%) of the women had normal glycemic status while 55 (32.9%) had high status. Furthermore, it revealed a significant negative correlation between educational qualification and glycemic control (r = -.161, p= 0.049). The study revealed a slight significant correlation between diet and glycemic control (r = -.148, p=0.052). Other practices did not share a significant correlation with glycemic control. The study concluded that an appreciable percentage of the respondents had high glycemic control status, education and diet had a significant partial correlation with glycemic control. Most of the women had good practice of diet, exercise, medication, and self-monitoring of blood glucose as shown in their health records. However, a sharp contrast exists between their record of glycemic control, which was good, and the current level, which revealed no significant correlations between self-management practices and glycemic control. Hence, the need for more patient education on self-management practices.