Assessment of knowledge on self-care practices by Diabetes Mellitus Type II attending Diabetes clinic at Kakamega County Referral Hospital

Introduction: In 2012, more than 371 million people presented with Diabetes Mellitus Type II worldwide. Approximately 4.8 million people died in 2012 due to the complications of Diabetes Mellitus Type II (American Diabetes Association 2013). In 2012, in sub-Saharan Africa, Diabetes Mellitus Type II was estimated at 6 percent of total mortality, this reflects an increase from 2.5 percent in 2000. Rapid urbanization leading to sedentary lifestyle and diet changes is a big contributing factor to the rapid increase of Diabetes Mellitus Type II in Sub-Saharan Africa.Kenya presents with heavy disease burden with life expectancy averaging 56 years. Despite the commendable successes to curb CDs (Communicable Diseases), health problem status has stagnated as a result of increase in NCDs causing 28% of all patients deaths in 2010; Diabetes Mellitus Type II accounting for 2% of the total death.Study area: Kakamega County Referral Hospital is approximately 400 kilometers from Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. It is the main referral hospital in western Kenya and receives referrals from neighboring counties e.g. Vihiga County, Bungoma County and various hospitals within the County. Target Population: Diabetes Mellitus Type II patients attending Kakamega County Referral HospitalAim: To assess adequate self-care practice by Diabetes Mellitus Type II patients attending the Diabetes clinic at Kakamega County Referral Hospital.Methods and Materials: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Researcher administered questionnaires based on W.H.O Diabetes Mellitus Type II self-care guidelines were used to collect data. Questionnaires that were filled were screened and carefully scrutinized for completeness, relevance and correctness before storage. Qualitative data was analyzed manually and Quantitative data was organized, coded, and standardized then descriptive statistics were used to analyze aided by statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 22. Descriptive analysis was carried out to provide simple summaries about the sample and the measures. Tables were used to present the data. Models of statistical analysis were done to validate the findings of the study.Results: The study found out that, only 22.02% of the participants gave correct signs and symptoms of high blood sugars. Only 13% of the participants demonstrated knowledge of signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. On low blood sugar management 84.52% gave correct responses. Frequency of feet checking was poor with only 16.67% of the participants giving correct responses. Majority (93.45%) of the participants were well versed with the complications of Diabetes Mellitus Type II. Frequency of eye examination had 90.48% of the participants giving the correct responses.Conclusion: The spoken knowledge in low literacy patient with Diabetes Mellitus Type II (SKILLD) scale was poorly scored with majority of the participants demonstrating low knowledge regarding common complications of Diabetes Mellitus Type II. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Self-care and Patient

Uptake of cervical cancer screening services among nurses working at Thika Level 5 Hospital

Background: Cervical cancer is the second commonest type of cancer among women globally, an estimated 270000 women die annually due to cervical cancer with 85% of this deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan African countries. Nurses are largely involved in screening and treatment of cervical cancer. Studies done in some countries have indicated low utilization of cervical cancer screening services by nurses. According to the National guidelines for prevention and management of reproductive system cancers, the situation of cervical cancer is worse in Kenya with a rate of 2454 new cases and mortality of 1676 annuallyObjective: To determine the proportion of nurses screened for cervical cancer at Thika Level 5 hospital Design: A descriptive cross sectional study design; A systematic sampling technique was used where every 2nd nurse was selected from the sampling frame; data were collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The study was conducted at the Thika Level 5 hospital. Ethical clearance was obtained from Mount Kenya University and Thika Level 5 Hospital. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.Population: The study targeted all nurses working at Thika Level 5 Hospital.Outcome Measures: The percentage of nurses screened as per the National guidelines was low.Results: There was a positive correlation factor of (0.33) between knowledge and screening status showing a positive upwards relationship Conclusions: There was low uptake (41%) of cervical cancer screening services mainly due to inadequate knowledge on prevention strategies.Recommendations: Nurses should be encouraged to take the initiative and be screened for cervical cancer