Hospital In Southwestern Nigeria Research Articles

Job performance of resident doctors in government teaching hospitals in South-western Nigeria

The study explores the job performance of resident doctors ingovernment teaching hospitals in SouthwesternNigeria. Job performanceservesas a gauge to measure the health of organizations. The studyadopted the descriptive research designto investigatesix out of the seven government teaching hospitals in SouthwesternNigeria. Total enumeration was used to administer 792copies ofquestionnaire to the resident doctors but 636 were returned for data analysis, making the response rate to be 80.3%.Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentage, mean and standard deviation). Findings revealed that the job performance of resident doctors inthegovernment teaching hospitals in was remarkably high. There were, however,staff shortages which invariably led to heavy workloads and stressamong the resident doctors. The opportunities for advancement were also limited. It was, therefore, recommended that the management of the teaching hospitals should increase the staff strength of the resident doctors to avoid stress and burnouts. The workplace environment should be improved by providing opportunities for the doctorsto advance their careers.

A 2-year comparative assessment of film reject analysis and economic implications at two hospitals in South-Western Nigeria

A 2-year comparative assessment of film reject analysis and economic implications at two hospitals in South-Western Nigeria

Neoplasms of the appendix: An experience of a tertiary hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: The appendix is a vestigial tube-like organ. Its exact physiological function is unknown. Appendectomies are done usually following a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Neoplasms can arise from this organ as well. Carcinoids are the most common neoplasms arising commonly at the tips. This retrospective review of neoplasms of the appendix was aimed at identifying the incidence and describing the histological variants of neoplasms of the appendix in our environment. Materials and Methods: This study was a 10-year retrospective review of all appendectomy specimens submitted to the Department of Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Microscopy was done examining the longitudinal sections from the tip to the base of the appendix. The histological diagnosis was extracted from the records in the department and classified using the WHO classification of tumors of the appendix (2019). Patients' biodata such as age and sex were also extracted. The data were analyzed for frequency distribution using SPSS 23. Results: The incidence of neoplasms in the appendix was 0.84% of the 1071 appendectomies received in our department over the study period. Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) was the most common histological variant accounting for 55.5% of neoplasms, followed by metastatic carcinoma at 22.2% and carcinoids at 11.1%. There was a female preponderance of 77.8%. Conclusion: Neoplasms of the appendix are rare in our environment, and LAMN was the most common neoplasm of the appendix in our institution. There is a female preponderance among patients with appendiceal neoplasms.

Level of implementation of WHO COVID-19 document on rights, roles and responsibilities of health workers in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria

Introductionin order to curb the increasing spread of COVID-19 amongst health care workers (HCWs), the World Health Organization (WHO) released the COVID-19 Rights, Roles and Responsibilities of Health workers (COVID-19 RRRHW) policy document aimed at protecting HCWs amidst the on-going pandemic. This study determined the level of implementation of the document in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.Methodsthis was a cross-sectional descriptive study among HCWs in a tertiary hospital in South-western Nigeria that assessed the level of implementation of the WHO COVID-19 RRRHW document using a closed ended structured questionnaire.Resultsfive hundred and thirty-five HCWs participated in the study comprising 165(30.8%) males and 370(69.2%) females. Majority (87.3%) of the HCWs were 40 years and below. One hundred and sixty-three (30.5%) of the HCWs had been involved in the care of COVID-19 patients; less than 60% of the respondents were aware of the presence of an official platform for dissemination of information on suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 435(81.3%) were aware of hospital training on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC); 191(35.7%) have had uninterrupted supplies of personal protective equipment(PPE) and IPC materials; 211(39.4%) were aware of mental and counselling services in the hospital while only 106(19.8%) knew how to access these services; 289(54%) have attended IPC training and 307(57.4%) are able to don and doff PPE.Conclusionthis study showed inadequate implementation of the WHO COVID-19 RRRHW document. There is urgent need for all stakeholders to familiarize with the document in order to ensure adequate protection of HCWs and minimize their risk of contracting COVID-19.

Level of implementation of WHO COVID-19 document on rights, roles and responsibilities of health care workers in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

in order to curb the increasing spread of COVID-19 amongst health care workers (HCWs), the World Health Organization (WHO) released the COVID-19 Rights, Roles and Responsibilities of Health workers (COVID-19 RRRHW) policy document aimed at protecting HCWs amidst the on-going pandemic. This study determined the level of implementation of the document in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria. this was a cross-sectional descriptive study among HCWs in a tertiary hospital in South-western Nigeria that assessed the level of implementation of the WHO COVID-19 RRRHW document using a closed ended structured questionnaire. five hundred and thirty-five HCWs participated in the study comprising 165(30.8%) males and 370(69.2%) females. Majority (87.3%) of the HCWs were 40 years and below. One hundred and sixty-three (30.5%) of the HCWs had been involved in the care of COVID-19 patients; less than 60% of the respondents were aware of the presence of an official platform for dissemination of information on suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 435(81.3%) were aware of hospital training on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC); 191(35.7%) have had uninterrupted supplies of personal protective equipment(PPE) and IPC materials; 211(39.4%) were aware of mental and counselling services in the hospital while only 106(19.8%) knew how to access these services; 289(54%) have attended IPC training and 307(57.4%) are able to don and doff PPE. this study showed inadequate implementation of the WHO COVID-19 RRRHW document. There is urgent need for all stakeholders to familiarize with the document in order to ensure adequate protection of HCWs and minimize their risk of contracting COVID-19.

Prevalence, predictors, and perceived susceptibility to placental malaria parasitemia among pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in South-Western Nigeria

Objective: Is to determine the prevalence and predictors of placental malaria among pregnant women. Methodology : The study was cross-sectional in design. It was carried out over six months. We administered Pretested questionnaire to 300 eligible subjects. The researchers took maternal peripheral blood for malaria parasites while cord and placental blood sample at delivery for neonatal packed cell volume (PCV) and Malaria parasite. Data were analyzed using STATA 10. Result: One hundred and forty-four (48%) participants had placental malaria parasitemia, while 173 (57.7%) had peripheral malaria parasitemia. Maternal age less than 20 years (P=0.008), low parity, and hemoglobin type AA (P=0.002) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of placental parasitemia. Maternal secondary and tertiary education (P=0.013), perceived susceptibility to placental malaria and IPT use (p=0.014) were significantly associated with lower prevalence. Conclusion : This study has shown that placental parasitemia is a significant problem in pregnancy as it is strongly associated with certain maternal factors. There is the need to intensify control efforts aimed at reducing malaria in pregnancy in Nigeria, and mothers with increased risk factors should receive more focused attention. Keywords : Prevalence, risk factors, placental malaria, pregnancy

Pattern and Outcome of Drug Induced Dystonia at the Paediatric Emergency Room of a Teaching Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Pattern and Outcome of Drug Induced Dystonia at the Paediatric Emergency Room of a Teaching Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Pharmacists\u2019 knowledge, attitude and involvement in palliative care in selected tertiary hospitals in southwestern Nigeria

BackgroundThe growing number of people living with life-limiting illness is a global health concern. This study therefore aimed to explore the involvement of pharmacists in selected tertiary hospitals in Nigeria in palliative care (PC). It also sought to evaluate their knowledge and attitude to PC as well as factors that hinder pharmacists’ participation in PC.MethodQuestionnaire-guided survey among pharmacists working in three-tertiary hospitals in southwestern Nigeria. The self-administered questionnaire comprised 18-item general knowledge questions related to PC, attitude statements with 5-point Likert-scale options and question-items that clarify extent of involvement in PC and barriers to participation. Overall score by pharmacists in the knowledge and attitude domains developed for the purpose of this study was assigned into binary categories of “adequate” and “inadequate” knowledge (score > 75% versus≤75%), as well as “positive” and “negative” attitude (ranked score > 75% versus≤75%), respectively. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for analysis at p < 0.05.ResultsAll the 110 pharmacists enrolled responded to the questionnaire, given a response rate of 100%. Overall, our study showed that 23(21.1%) had adequate general knowledge in PC, while 14(12.8%) demonstrated positive attitude, with 45(41.3%) who enjoyed working in PC. Counselling on therapy adherence (100;90.9%) was the most frequently engaged activity by pharmacists; attending clinical meetings to advise health team members (45;40.9%) and giving educational sessions (47;42.7%) were largely cited as occasionally performed duties, while patient home visit was mostly cited (60;54.5%) as a duty not done at all. Pharmacists’ unawareness of their need in PC (86;79.6%) was a major factor hindering participation, while pharmacists with PC training significantly felt more relaxed around people receiving PC compared to those without training (p = 0.003).ConclusionHospital pharmacists in selected tertiary care institutions demonstrate inadequate knowledge, as well as negative attitude towards PC. Also, extent of involvement in core PC service is generally low, with pharmacists’ unawareness of their need in PC constituting a major barrier. Thus, a need for inclusion of PC concept into pharmacy education curriculum, while mandatory professional development programme for pharmacists should also incorporate aspects detailing fundamental principles of PC, in order to bridge the knowledge and practice gaps.

Evaluation of Haematological Parameters in Stroke Patients in South-Western Nigeria

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke which has been linked to chronic and acute inflammation. Variations in the biochemical status of stroke patients might be accountable for the high morbidity and mortality associated with stroke.&#x0D; Aims of the Study: This study was designed to investigate haematological parameters namely Parked cell volume(PCV), Total Leucocyte Count(WBC), Platelet Count, and Differential Leucocyte Count(Neutrophil and Erythrocyte) in stroke patients attending various teaching and general hospitals in South-Western part of Nigeria.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: This study included already diagnosed stroke patients attending Teaching Hospitals and general hospitals in south-Western Nigeria and was carried out between 2015 to 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total leucocyte (WBC), differential leukocyte and platelet count was determined using the method of Cheesbrough, (1999).&#x0D; Results: The result of this study revealed a significant increase p&lt;0.05 in platelet count in stroke patients when compared with the control. Similarly, there is a significant increase p&lt;0.05 in differential leukocyte count(neutrophil and lymphocyte count) in these patients when compared with the control. However, the WBC level in these patients is not significantly p&lt;0.05 different from the control subjects. The PCV in stroke patients is significantly lowered p&lt;0.05 when compared with the control subjects.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study reveals alterations in most of the haematological parameters considered in this patients which is a pointer to the fact that these parameters with further investigations could give clues to the diagnosis and management of stroke thereby reducing its morbidity and mortality.

Opening Pandora's box: High-level resistance to antibiotics of last resort in Gram-negative bacteria from Nigeria

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the percentage of antimicrobial-resistant isolates and the associated resistance mechanisms in Gram-negative bacteria from South Western Nigeria. MethodsA total of 306 non-duplicate unbiased Gram-negative isolates were recovered from patients admitted to three teaching hospitals in South Western Nigeria in 2011 and 2013. Isolates were from clinical samples as well as from stool samples of inpatients without infection to assess antimicrobial resistance patterns in carriage isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, and PCR and sequencing were used to identify genes encoding various known β-lactamases. Based on phenotypic and genotypic results, 10 isolates representing the diversity of phenotypes present were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). ResultsAntimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the following resistance rates: fluoroquinolones, 78.1%; third-generation cephalosporins, 92.2%; and carbapenems, 52.6%. More resistant isolates were isolated from stools of uninfected patients compared with clinical infection specimens. Klebsiella (10%) and Escherichia coli (7%) isolates produced a carbapenemase. WGS of selected isolates identified the presence of globally disseminated clones. ConclusionThis study illustrates a crisis for the use of first-line antimicrobial therapy in Nigerian patients. It is likely that Nigeria is playing a significant role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance owing to its large population with considerable global mobility.

Assessment of Airborne Fungal Spores in a tertiary care hospital in South Western Nigeria

TPS 752: Respiratory effects and allergies, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Increasing evidences show that exposure to indoor fungal spores has resulted in increased prevalence of hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to determine the burden of airborne fungi species in the indoor environments of a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria. Methods: Air samples were collected in the dry (January–April) and raining (June-September) seasons from four categories of wards viz; surgery (8 wards), obstetrics/gynecology (5 wards), medical (8 wards) and paediatric (6 wards). Air samples were collected using a two-stage Anderson sampler at a flow rate of 15L/min for 15 minutes in the morning (8:00-11:00) and evening (13:00-16:00) hours over a 3-day period. A total of 966 air samples were cultured each on Potato-dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud-dextrose agar (SDA) and incubated at 25°C for 7-10 days. Total fungi count (TFC) was presented in colony-forming unit per cubic meter (CFU/m3) and compared to recommended concentration of fungal spores in hospital air (≤ 25CFU/m3). Analysis was performed using t-test and ANAOVA at p<0.05. Results: Majority, 930 (96.3%) and 934 (96.7%) of the samples were positive for fungi on PDA and SDA respectively. In both seasons, the paediatric wards recorded the highest mean TFC on PDA (dry:38.33 ± 30.41CFU/m3; raining:44.78 ± 40.16CFU/m3,p<0.05) and SDA (dry:48.22 ± 33.17CFU/m3; raining:52.00 ± 36.76CFU/m3) while the surgery wards had the least TFC on PDA (dry:28.40 ± 21.37 CFU/m3; raining:32.77 ± 29.95CFU/m3) and SDA (dry:42.70 ± 19.44 CFU/m3; raining:39.44 ± 29.61CFU/m3). The mean TFC in each ward was above the recommended concentration of 25CFU/m3. The most frequent occurring fungal species was Aspergillus spp. constituting about 30.5% of the total isolates. Conclusions: This study revealed high fungal contamination in the wards. The presence of Aspergillus spp. pose great threat to immunocompromised patients. Therefore, periodic survey and efficient ventilation system are necessary to prevent possible hospital-acquired infections.

Ensemble Model for the Risk of Anemia in Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disorder

Anemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of SCD patients in many parts of the world with the burden much higher in Sub Saharan Africa. This study developed an ensemble of machine learning algorithm for the prediction of the risk of anemia in pediatric SCD patients. Data for this study was collected from 115 pediatric SCD outpatients receiving treatment at a tertiary hospital in South-Western Nigeria. This study adopted a stack-ensemble model composed of deep neural network (DNN), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machines (SVM) as base and meta-classifiers using the WEKA software. The ensemble models were compared following the stack-ensemble developed using SVM as a meta-classifier had the best performance with an accuracy of 72.7%. The study concluded that information about socio-demographic and clinical data can be used to assess the risk of anemia among SCD patients.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Outsourcing Strategy in Teaching Hospitals in South-Western Nigeria

Assessment of Factors Influencing Outsourcing Strategy in Teaching Hospitals in South-Western Nigeria

Profile of Children Admitted for Severe Acute Malnutrition in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Introduction: This study assessed the socio-demographic profile, outcomes of treatment and challenges encountered in the management of children admitted for Severe Acute Malnutrition at the Paediatric Unit of a State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. &#x0D; Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The records of twenty-five children with SAM admitted from March 2013-March 2018 were reviewed. SAM was defined according to the Wellcome Classification based on child’s weight and oedema status. Data on demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, co-morbid conditions, duration of admission and outcome were extracted.&#x0D; Results: There were 13 (52.0%) males and 12 (48.0%) females. The median age of children with SAM was eight months. Eighteen children (72%) were marasmic, four (16%) had kwashiorkor while three (12%) had marasmic-kwashiorkor. Common presenting symptoms included poor weight gain (59.1%), fever (54.5%) and diarrhoea (36.4%). Majority (84.0%) of the patients had co-morbid conditions which included sepsis (66.7%), anaemia (37.5%), hypoglycaemia (16.7%) and hypothermia (16.7%). Twenty-one (84.0%) children were fully vaccinated for age, two (8.0%) had partial vaccination while two (8.0%) were never vaccinated. Only two (8.0%) had exclusive breastfeeding, 19 (76.0%) had mixed feeding from birth. Majority (60%) of the children had one or more social challenges such as teenage parents and financial constraints. Mean duration of admission was 4.56 days. Twelve (48.0%) left against medical advice, nine (36.0%) were discharged, one (4.0%) was referred to another tertiary facility and three (12.0%) deaths were recorded.&#x0D; Conclusions: Many of the children admitted for SAM in our study had social problems and almost half of them left the hospital against medical advice. Besides health problem, social factors may play more role in SAM.

Audit of Breech Deliveries at a Rural Tertiary Hospital in South Western Nigeria

Audit of Breech Deliveries at a Rural Tertiary Hospital in South Western Nigeria

Drug-related teratogenic and pathologic causes of birth defects in a tertiary hospital in Southwestern Nigeria.

Birth defects are important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A good understanding of the etiology is a vital step toward developing improved treatment and preventive strategies. We conducted an audit of medical records of newborns with birth abnormalities in a tertiary hospital over a 10‐year period, using a Pro forma designed to collect information on obstetric history, antenatal history, sociodemographics of parents, and the type of birth abnormality. Of the 180 medical records reviewed, female babies were 92 (51.1%) and male babies were 86 (47.8%). The mean age of the fathers was 38.2 + 6.2, and mothers 31.8 + 4.9. Majority 115 (63.9%) of the mothers had records of acute illnesses, and 23 (12.8%) chronic illnesses during pregnancy. Unspecified febrile illness 44 (38.3%), malaria 40 (34.8%), typhoid 8 (6.9%), hypertension 13 (56.5%), pregestational diabetes 4 (17.4%), and HIV 3 (13.0%) were the commonest maternal pathologies. Most of the documented birth abnormalities were Down's syndrome 34 (15.2%); congenital hydrocephalus 32 (14.3%); acyanotic congenital heart defect 30 (13.4%); deformity of the digits 26 (11.6%); and ventricular septal defect 20 (8.9%). The prevalence of maternal pathologies calls for concern, as these may be implicated in birth defects, therefore should be further investigated in future studies.

Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the socio-cultural factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral drugs among people living with HIV in a University Teaching Hospital in South-western Nigeria. It investigated the influence of various socio-cultural factors on adherence of PLWHA to treatment regimen People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife and assessed the prevalence of adherence to ART among PLWHA in the study area. These were with the view to ascertaining the influence of socio-cultural factors in the PLWHA’s adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the study location. The study design was a cross-sectional where both qualitative and quantitative research methods were adopted. The quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaire. The participants were HIV diagnosed patients attending clinic at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife where ages were between 18 and 60 years. Also two focus group discussion sessions were held with 10 males and 10 females living with HIV and currently on ART. Furthermore, in-depth interviews were conducted on three purposively selected healthcare givers (an experienced nurse, a doctor and a pharmacist) in the clinic. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as tables and percentages and inferential statistics such as Chi Square and cross-tabulations. The qualitative data were analyzed in themes based on the objectives. The findings from the study indicated level of adherence to ART was 89.0% among the respondents. There was a statistically significant relationship (χ2 = 22.14; p < 0.01) between social and family supports and the degree of adherence to ART among PLWHA. There was a statistically significant relationship between level of adherence and respondents’ age (χ2 = 66.05, p < 0.05). The older the respondents’ age, the higher the level of adherence to ART. Also the relationship between educational level and adherence to ART was explored and found to be statistically significant (χ2 = 26.04, p < 0.05). Adherence is inversely proportional to educational attainment. Nutrition, polygyny, difficulty in financing transportation fare to the clinic, unemployment, drug hawkers, religion, excuse duty from work and waking up very early were highlighted as socio-cultural barriers to adherence to ART. Fear of death, strong family support, religious belief, not seeking alternative treatment, absence of rituals and perceived improved health status were identified as very strong facilitators to adherence. The study concluded that socio-cultural factors exert very strong influences on PLWHA’s adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Awareness of risks associated with Self-medication among Patients attending General Out-patient Department of a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Nigeria

Self-medication has become a common practice in many developing countries like Nigeria and mainly due to lack of access to health care, easy availability of over the counter drugs in markets and poor drug regulatory practices. The study assessed knowledge of people about the risks associated with self-medication; identify the causes of self-medication; assess the commonly misused drugs; and identify information sources for purchasing and using drugs without prescription. The study was conducted in General Outpatient Department of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria and Census was used to select the respondents. Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted and questionnaire was used for this study. Data was analyzed by using SSPS version 22.0 while frequency tables, bar charts and chi square were used to present the data. Findings revealed that 82.3% of the respondents had high awareness of the risks associated with self-medication, high cost of treatment and previous experience were the most identified causes of self-medication. Commonly abused drugs were Analgesics and antibiotics. Major sources of information for purchasing the drugs were the pharmacy and family members while age, sex and educational were significantly associated with awareness of the risk of self-medication. The study concluded that patients had high awareness of the risks associated with self-medication, high cost of treatment and previous experience with disease accounted for the practice. It is therefore important for Nigerian government to enforcement the existing regulations against free display and sales of drugs in unauthorized places.

Quality of Life, Health Perception and Meaning in Life among Selected People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Hospital in South Western Nigeria

The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has led to socioeconomic and general health challenges for people living with the condition and the society at large. Therefore, HIV/AIDS does not only affect the physical wellbeing but also the health perception, meaning and quality of Life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The study examined quality of life, health perception and meaning in life among selected PLWHA in a Hospital in South-western, Nigeria. A purposive sample of 210, 59 males and 151 females PLWHA with age ranges between 18 and 90 years, 44.46±15.74 participated in the study. A structured questionnaire format was used to collect data and analysed using Correlation and Regression analyses. The result showed that; search for meaning in life correlated with social relationship domain (r=.201,p<.01)and general health perception (r=.195,p<01), while presence of meaning in life correlated with general health perception (r=.234,p<.01) and overall quality of life (r=.017,p<.05). Search for meaning in life (B=.032, β=.193, p<.05) independently predict general health perception, whereas, presence and search for meaning in life (R=.23, R2=.06, p<.01) jointly predict general health perception. It was concluded that search for meaning in life linked with social relationship and general health perception and presence of meaning in life connected with general health perception and overall quality of life. Also presence and search for meaning in life predict general health perception of PLWHA. It was recommended that assessment of meaning in life and perceived quality of life should be included in the therapeutic management process of PLWHA.

Pharmacist’s Intervention on Pill Burden Effects on the Health-Related Quality of Life of Elderly Diabetic Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Diabetes and its associated complications take a toll on the elderly. It is known that medication burden could reduce patients’ adherence, which in turn impacts negatively on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of those suffering from chronic diseases. Studies have been conducted on HRQOL and its associated factors among diabetic patients but none has studied pill burden effects on HRQOL. This research evaluated pharmacist’s intervention on pill burden effects on the HRQOL of elderly diabetic patients. Methods: This 8-month randomized controlled study involved 170 elderly type 2 diabetic patients. Socio-demographics, the impact of the number and dosage frequency of drugs on adherence, and the influence of the pill burden on HRQOL scores were evaluated at baseline and at 4 and 8 months. Patients in the intervention group were educated about diabetes and its management and counselled on treatment adherence. Brisk walking was specially demonstrated to them at least 4 times during the study period. The control group received only the usual call reminders for appointment days. Results: At baseline, 58.8 and 64.7%, respectively, in the control and intervention groups responded “yes” (indicating a negative effect on their adherence) to >5 pills per prescription, while the figures were 55.3 and 15.3%, respectively, at 8 months (p = 0.711 and p = 0.000, respectively). Patients on 1–5 pills per prescription in the control group had the following physical functioning scores: baseline (44.2 ± 14.2) versus 4 months (47.2 ± 19.1) and 8 months (47.7 ± 16.1); p = 0.277 and p = 0.160. The physical functioning scores in the intervention group were: baseline (41.7 ± 16.1) versus 4 months (67.6 ± 23.1) and 8 months (92.5 ± 3.5); p ≤ 0.001. The same pattern of results was found for those on >5 pills per prescription. Conclusion: This study demonstrates pharmacists’ ability to improve the HRQOL of patients through continuous counselling, supply of relevant information, and monitoring of drug, exercise, and diet adherence. Intervention such as this could be beneficial to diabetic patients and others with chronic diseases.