Nasarawa Journal of Library and Information Science (NAJLIS) Vol.3, No.1, 2019. ISSN: 2636-5774 11 Influence of Prior Knowledge in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus amongst Diabetic Patients Attending Endocrinology Clinic, Ahmadu Bello University

Abstract

Prior knowledge is essential in the management of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prior knowledge is the experience that the learner already has before she/he meets new information. The objectives of this study were to explore prior knowledge among people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and contradictions between prior knowledge and information received from Endocrinology Clinic, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study is primarily a qualitative study involving participants living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide with 18 patients who attended Endocrinology Clinic, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Nigeria. Findings revealed that prior knowledge of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Endocrinology Clinic, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Nigeria contradicts the orthodox medical perspective. Participants' prior knowledge about type 2 diabetes is that once diagnosed, the person is liable to die early. Similarly, that wound in someone with diabetes can never heal. Also, diabetic patients' diet is restricted to only wheat and beans. Likewise, it is believed that drug adherence is insignificant in coping with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study, therefore, recommends that since patients’ prior knowledge and self- management are critical elements in managing chronic diseases, especially in Nigeria, there is a need to use Information Communication Technologies to explore prior knowledge of people living with chronic illnesses. This recommendation will reduce associated complications and develop an intervention that will be patient-oriented.