Diabetes mellitus remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, diabetes self-care knowledge and practice remains pivotal in mitigating complications and improving quality of life. This study assessed knowledge and practice of self-care management among diabetic patients attending a tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria. Its goal was to determine knowledge level of diabetic patients about self-care practices. Purposive sampling technique was used on a population of 220 respondents. Sample size of 142 was obtained using Taro Yamene formula. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, means and percentages. Results showed that knowledge of self-care management was high; regular blood monitoring is a essential, (m=4.5, sd=1.055); physical activities improves diabetes control (m=4.1, sd=0.974); stress can affect blood sugar levels (m=3.6,sd=1.098), also, there is sub-optimal practice of self-care among the respondents; only 35.2% always monitor their blood glucose level, 29.6% often engage in regular physical activities (like walking). 36.6% always follow diabetic meal plan, and 39.4% always attended regular medical check-up. Study concluded that there is high knowledge among respondents while self-care practices among diabetic patients were found to be sub-optimal, particularly in areas such as blood glucose testing and physical activities. However, self-care practice varied among respondents, some demonstrated better adherence to prescribed self-care activities than others. Study emphasized the importance of improving patient education and support to enhance self-care practices among diabetic patients.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, self-care practices, medication adherence, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring.
Citation: Frank, M.D. et al., (2026). Knowledge and Practice of Self-Care Management Among Diabetic Patients in A Tertiary Hospital, South-South Nigeria. J Nurs Care Repo; 7(2):1-6.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/3065-7636.1050