Patients' knowledge of diabetes foot complications and self-management practices in Ghana: A phenomenological study.

Irene Fosuhemaa Bossman,Bright Anyimah Oduro,Thomas Kwadwo Hinneh,Shadrach Dare,Jane Elizabeth Nally,Prince Kyei Baffour,Khin Thet Wai

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0256417

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and over two-thirds of these are not diagnosed. Consequently, diabetes complications usually exist at the time of diagnosis. Foot ulcers is a leading cause of disability and mortality among diabetes patients.PurposeTo assess the knowledge and experiences of adult patients with Diabetes on diabetes complications and self-management practices with emphasis on foot care.MethodologyThis applied phenomenological study design. Twenty patients attending Diabetes clinics were purposively sampled from two hospitals in Ghana. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted to evaluate patient’s understanding of diabetes and self-management practices. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analysed to generate themes using the constant comparison method.ResultsThree-quarters of the participants in the study correctly defined diabetes as high blood glucose levels, but few knew the risk factors and complications of diabetes. Stroke and Hypertension were the most popular complications known, whiles diabetes foot complications were the least known. Almost all participants showed awareness of dietary self-management practices, but few had limited knowledge in foot care practices.ConclusionDiabetes education in LMICs should promote self-management practices, especially foot care and clear dietary guidelines. There is also opportunity to invest in specialist diabetes training for healthcare providers and increase community-based care for people living with diabetes in Ghana.

Highlights

The prevalence of diabetes worldwide has surged in the past two decades, and it is become a growing threat in low and middle-income countries
There is opportunity to invest in specialist diabetes training for healthcare providers and increase community-based care for people living with diabetes in Ghana
Type 2 Diabetes is the commonest form of diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) other forms such as gestational diabetes and Type 1 diabetes are all prevalent [2]

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of diabetes worldwide has surged in the past two decades, and it is become a growing threat in low and middle-income countries. It is estimated that over 460 million adults globally live with diabetes, which is an increase by 62% from 285 million in 2009. This is estimated to rise further to about 578 million adults in 2030 [1]. Diabetes complications such as neuropathy, renal failure, stroke, cardiovascular conditions and retinopathy usually exist at the time of diagnosis. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and over two-thirds of these are not diagnosed. Diabetes complications usually exist at the time of diagnosis. To assess the knowledge and experiences of adult patients with Diabetes on diabetes complications and self-management practices with emphasis on foot care

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