Vol. 2000 No. 1 (2000)
Community-Based Diabetes Self-Management Programmes in Kenyan Villages: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Abstract
Diabetes prevalence is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, where traditional healthcare systems often lack resources and facilities. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from standardised health surveys with qualitative insights from structured interviews to assess participant compliance, lifestyle changes, and overall health outcomes. Participants showed significant improvement in blood glucose control (average reduction of 15% across all villages) after the initial programme intervention, with a notable increase in self-reported adherence to dietary recommendations by over 30%. The community-based programmes facilitated sustainable lifestyle modifications and improved health outcomes among diabetic patients in Kenyan villages, though further research is needed to sustain these improvements over longer periods. Future studies should explore the scalability of these programmes across different socio-economic settings and consider integrating digital health tools for remote monitoring and support.