Awareness and Practice of Patients on Insulin Self Medication among Diabetic Patients Attending KIUTH Medical Ward.
Insulin is a drug used in the treatment of type one diabetes. Patients must be activelyinvolved in self-administration and hence it requires them to be much more equipped withgood knowledge and practices towards the use of insulin. Therefore, the purpose of the studywas to assess the knowledge and practices of diabetic patients on insulin self-medicationattending KIU-TH medical ward.The study was descriptive cross-sectional. Quantitativemethods were employed in data collection and 36 respondents were involved both male andfemale who were selected using a systematic sampling method. Majority of the respondent20(55%) were above 50 years, 18(50%) were married. Majority were Catholics 12(33%), malewere 26(72%) which indicated that insulin dependent diabetes is still high in male thanfemale. 18 (50%) had reached university and 18 (50%) of them were employed. Generallyrespondents knowledge was good as majority 26(72%) had ever received information aboutinsulin. 15 (42%) knew that insulin can cause a low blood glucose level when given in excessand 20(55%) knew the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia plus the home management ofhypoglycemic effect of insulin 20 (55%). Practices were not satisfying, those who kept insulinin a freezer, in cold places, and anywhere were equal 10 (295%). Majority 20(56%) did notknow the correct sites of insulin injection, Majority did not wash hands before injectingthemselves 18 (50%). 10 (28%) disposed of their insulin used needles in a pit 10 (28%), 10(28%) in the toilet. 15 (42%) found it expensive to buy insulin leading to poor adherence.Despite good knowledge towards self-insulin administration, respondents demonstratedpoor/unsatisfying practice and hence need to be educated more for better results.