Self-efficacy and Associated Factors Among Diabetic Patients in South-western Nigeria

Background : Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease requiring lifelong management to prevent serious complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Effective diabetes management hinges on patients’ self-care management efficacy, which encompasses behaviors such as medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This study evaluated self-care practices and self-efficacy among diabetic patients in Southwest Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the influence of socio-demographic factors. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was used to select four hospitals (three in Lagos State and one in Oyo State), from which 212 diabetic patients were recruited for the study. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES) and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Results: Overall, 45.8% of respondents reported diabetes-related complications, the most common being infections (57.1%), diabetic foot sores (53.8%), nephropathy (52.4%), limb amputation (51.9%), and neuropathy (51.4%). Self-efficacy scores indicated moderate performance across key domains, which may have contributed to the high complication burden. Mean perceived efficacy scores were 60.5 for dietary management, 41.5 for treatment adherence, and 15.9 for physical activity, with an overall mean of 118.0 out of 200. No significant associations were observed between self-efficacy and socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Findings demonstrated a moderate level of self-efficacy among diabetic patients, coupled with a substantial burden of complications. These results underscore the pressing need for interventions that enhance patient self-care capabilities while addressing systemic barriers. Strategies should include patient-centered education programs, improved access to affordable healthcare, and stronger community-based support systems to strengthen long-term diabetes outcomes in Southwest Nigeria.