Thesis:

Factors associated with glycemic control among 35-60-year-old female type 2 diabetics attending Taveta sub-county hospital Taita Taveta county, Kenya

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition depicted by hyperglycemia in the absence of treatment.Stems from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both.Sustained hyperglycemia due to diabetes may give way to irreversible organ damage.A study done in Kenya in 2018 revealed that, those previously diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus and were currently on treatment only 7% had achieved control. The main objective of the study was factors associated with glycemic control among 35-60 year old female Diabetic patients attending Taveta sub county hospital Taita Taveta county,Kenya.The objectives of the study were to determine socio-cultural, economic, nutritional and health seeking factors, influencing glycemic control. A descriptive cross sectional design was adopted and systematic random sampling technique used to select 135 study subjects comprising of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus female patients aged 35-60 years who are registered at Taveta sub- County hospital diabetes outpatient clinic.Approval was sought from Mount Kenya University Ethics review committee and Taita Taveta county health department.Clearance was sought from National commission for science,Technology and innovation prior to data collection.Quantitative data on socio-cultural,economic,nutrition and health seeking factors was collected from informed consenting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus female patients using researcher administered structured questionnaire.Qualitative data on sociocultural, and health seeking factors was obtained from key informant interviews with the incharges of diabetes clinic.Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists Version 20 and presented by frequencies and percentages for categorical variables; and means and standard deviations for numerical variables. Chi square test was done to evaluate associations between variables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically after translation and transcription. The result revealed that the odds of women reminded to take medicine are 1.195 times more likely to have good glycemic control compared to women never reminded to take medicine. The women employed were 1.691 times more likely to have good glycemic control compared to women not employed. The result further shows that the odd of having a good glycemic control is 1.657 times higher for women who receive funds and support as compared to women who do not receive funds from their business. The odd of having a good glycemic control is 2.102 times higher for women who often exercise as compared to women who never exercise. The odd of having a good glycemic control is 1.416 times higher for environment of the diabetes clinic room/area that is clean as compared to environment of the diabetes clinic room/area that is somewhat clean. The most used method to control glucose is the herbal remedies to manage diabetes. The study recommends that the medication follow-up and dietary practices for the diabetic patients should be a community affair, both relatives and friends, to ensure that the diabetic patients have followed the prescribed lifestyle and precautionary health measures. The monitoring of blood sugar should be done regularly as advised by the healthcare provider. It is recommended for an increase in scope for creation of diabetes education or awareness and reach out to the patients and community.It is necessary to create affected family’s support system.