Implementing diabetes self-management education (DSME) in a Nigerian population: perceptions of practice nurses and dieticians

Hyperglycaemic complication is the most common cause of hospitalization amongst diabetes
patients in Nigeria. Research showed that diabetes self-management education (DSME) assists
in controlling hyperglycaemia in diabetes patients. We assessed the opinions of practice nurses
and dieticians on implementing DSME in a Nigerian population. 517 nurses and dieticians
completed a self-administered questionnaire tool. Results showed that the majority of the
participants agreed that DSME in a Nigerian population will assist patients (88.3%) and assist to
reduce diabetes complications (91.4%). While only 34% of all participants believed that their
establishments were prepared to implement DSME, a large proportion of the participants
agreed that their work places do not have enough qualified health personnel (62.4%),
educational facilities (65.8%) and economic resources (65.6%) to embark on DSME. These
constitute significant barriers for effective DSME and demand that strategic investment in
human and material resources for DSME is needed in this population of a developing country.