Abstract

Insulin is a drug used in the treatment of type one diabetes. Patients must be actively
involved in self-administration and hence it requires them to be much more equipped with
good knowledge and practices towards the use of insulin. Therefore, the purpose of the study
was to assess the knowledge and practices of diabetic patients on insulin self-medication
attending KIU-TH medical ward.The study was descriptive cross-sectional. Quantitative
methods were employed in data collection and 36 respondents were involved both male and
female who were selected using a systematic sampling method. Majority of the respondent
20(55%) were above 50 years, 18(50%) were married. Majority were Catholics 12(33%), male
were 26(72%) which indicated that insulin dependent diabetes is still high in male than
female. 18 (50%) had reached university and 18 (50%) of them were employed. Generally
respondents knowledge was good as majority 26(72%) had ever received information about
insulin. 15 (42%) knew that insulin can cause a low blood glucose level when given in excess
and 20(55%) knew the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia plus the home management of
hypoglycemic effect of insulin 20 (55%). Practices were not satisfying, those who kept insulin
in a freezer, in cold places, and anywhere were equal 10 (295%). Majority 20(56%) did not
know the correct sites of insulin injection, Majority did not wash hands before injecting
themselves 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 demonstrated
poor/unsatisfying practice and hence need to be educated more for better results.