Challenges of newly diagnosed diabetic patient at the diabetic clinic in Holy Family Hospital, Berekum

Abstract

The focus of the study was to determine the challenges of newly diagnosed diabetic patient at the diabetic clinic in Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. A descriptive study design was used for the study. Fifty (50) diabetic patients were randomly chosen for the study. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study found out that majority of the respondents do not have challenges as a newly diagnosed diabetic patient. Some of the challenges faced by newly diagnosed diabetic patients were; difficulties in adjusting to diet, difficulties in administration of insulin and accurate time for drug management. Majority of the respondents (44%) had no idea about the type of diabetics they were suffering from. Majority of the respondents (58%) believed diabetes to be a hereditary disease, 20% believed diabetes to be caused by eating sugary foods, 4% believed diabetes to be caused by a punishment and 2% believed it be a curse on an individual. Sixteen percent (16%) had no idea about how diabetes is caused. Majority of the respondents (86%) had knowledge that newly diagnosed diabetic patients should avoid some kind of foods. Majority of the respondents (80%) have difficulties adjusting to the new food regimen. Majority of the respondents (84%) uses oral drugs, 80% uses insulin injection, 42% of the respondents uses IV treatment and only 4% of the respondents uses herbal preparation. The study recommended that MOH should facilitate the creation of more diabetic clinic centers at the various teaching, regional and district hospital for effective management of diabetics and the management of Holy Family Hospital, Berekum should organize in-service training for nurses and other health personnels as to equip them to be abreast with the pattern of the changing health needs of patients and trends of diabetes management..