Community-Based Diabetes Self-Management Programmes in Northern Ghana: A Clinical Trial

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic condition in Northern Ghana, affecting both urban and rural populations disproportionately. Despite its importance, self-management of diabetes often relies on fragmented care provided by health workers with limited resources. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 participants randomly assigned into an intervention group (receiving CBSM) and a control group (standard care). Data collection included pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated questionnaires for knowledge, adherence, and quality of life metrics. Statistical analysis employed a two-sample t-test to compare the means. Participants in the CBSM intervention showed significant improvement in diabetes-related knowledge compared to the control group (mean difference = 15 points; CI: [8, 23]; p < 0.001). The community-based diabetes self-management programme demonstrated positive effects on participants' knowledge levels and adherence to treatment protocols. Further studies should explore the sustainability of these programmes in diverse settings and assess their cost-effectiveness for wider implementation within Northern Ghana's health care system. Diabetes, self-management, community-based, randomized controlled trial, Northern Ghana