Comparative Study of T2DM Knowledge, Adherence and Socio-demographic Predictors at University Medical Centres in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves hyperglycemia from insulin resistance, inadequate insulin secretion, and excess glucagon. Nigeria faces the highest diabetes prevalence in Africa, with T2DM dominating cases, particularly in the south-south region, including Rivers State. This study aimed at investigating the level of knowledge about T2DM among patients attending different university medical centres in Rivers State. This comparative study at Rivers State University Medical Centre (RSUMC) and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Medical Centre (IAUEMC) in Port Harcourt assessed T2DM knowledge, treatment adherence, and socio-demographic predictors among 560 adult patients using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with questionnaires, clinical measurements, and laboratory tests like HbA1c. Patients at both centres showed substantial T2DM knowledge (grand means 3.12 RSUMC, 3.09 IAUEMC), good adherence (2.93 RSUMC, 2.98 IAUEMC), and similar socio-demographic influences (2.89 both), with no significant inter-centre differences. Medication adherence exceeded self-care practices like exercise and monitoring, while low income and insurance gaps hindered outcomes. Facility-based education fosters knowledge, but targeted interventions, such as self-care enhancement, insurance expansion, and support mechanisms, are needed to optimise glycemic control and align with ADA/WHO guidelines in resource-limited settings.