Endocrine Abstracts

Glycaemic control remains poor among individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Nigeria and is linked to a non-supportive family environment. Family-Integrated Diabetes Education (FIDE) has been shown to improve glycaemic control in studies among Hispanics and Caucasians. However, there is dearth of literature on its effectiveness among Africans; despite the close-knit nature of many African families. The study aimed at determining the effects of FIDE on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and Quality of Life (QoL) of type 2 diabetes patients in Nigeria; with the overarching goal of improving diabetes-education policy/operating procedure in Nigerian hospitals. Quasi-experimental design involving two teaching hospitals was utilized. There were 88 patients in Control-Group (CG) and 82 in Intervention-Group (IG), with a corresponding number of family members. Patients’ diabetes knowledge, QoL and HbA1c were determined. Family members completed a questionnaire on diabetes-knowledge. IG received FIDE and patients and family were assessed for immediate post-intervention knowledge. HbA1c, and QoL were reassessed at three and six-month post-intervention. Data was analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA, at P < 0.05. One hundred and fifty-two (152) patients completed the study – 78 in CG and 74 in IG. 55.3% being ≥60 years. Duration of DM was < 20 years in 88.3%. Family members were mostly female (62.9%) with 52.8% aged ≤ 40 years. Knowledge of family members in IG was significantly higher than that of CG post-intervention (8.6±3.0/5.8±2.2, P< 0.01). HbA1c reduced significantly in IG by third month (8.9%/7.8%; P < 0.01), but did not in CG. QoL of IG improved significantly between third and sixth month (51.4±8.8/56.2±11.9; P=0.001). Family Integrated Diabetes Education (FIDE) improved glycaemic control and quality of life of diabetes patients. It is recommended that family members be formally included in diabetes-education in all Nigerian hospitals. It is hoped that results of this study will drive policy change in Nigerian hospitals in the near future towards improving diabetes care.