TERTIARY HEALTH CARE

Effective glycemic control is essential for preventing diabetes-related complications, yet knowledge gaps and practice barriers persist among patients in resource-limited settings. This study examined knowledge, practices, and factors affecting glycemic control among diabetic patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted among 174 adult diabetic patients attending the Consultant Outpatient Department. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. While 62% demonstrated overall good knowledge, critical deficits emerged in technical understanding: only 16.7% correctly defined glycemic control, 2.9% recognized HbA1c testing, and 26.4% understood appropriate monitoring frequency. Conversely, over 90% correctly identified symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and complications. Self-management practices were generally good (mean 3.37), with high medication adherence (85.6%) and clinic attendance (91.4%), but poor blood glucose monitoring (mean 3.20) and foot care (mean 2.47). Financial barriers emerged as primary impediments: 82.7% found glucometer kits too expensive, 58.6% struggled to afford medications, and 85.7% found monitoring painful. Additionally, 69% perceived cultural foods as incompatible with diabetes control, and 44.9% lacked glucometer use skills.Despite good symptom awareness and medication adherence, critical gaps in technical knowledge and substantial financial barriers limit effective glycemic self-management. Interventions must address both educational deficits in monitoring competence and structural barriers through subsidized supplies, skills training, and culturally adapted dietary counseling.

Workplace abuse of nurses by patients and their relatives is a growing concern, affecting job performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study assessed the factors influencing the abuse of nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ugbowo, Benin City. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of abuse experienced by nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 nurses selected through a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and 251 responses were deemed valid, giving a response rate of 97.2%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with results presented in tables and figures. The study found that verbal abuse was the most common form of abuse, experienced by 71% of respondents. Other reported forms of abuse included emotional distress (59%), workplace bullying (53%), and rude or dismissive behavior (66%). Physical assault (37%), unwanted sexual harassment (42%), and stalking (31%) were less frequently reported. Factors contributing to abuse included patient frustration due to delayed medical attention (mean = 3.1), lack of understanding of hospital policies (mean = 3.0), and emotional distress of patient relatives (mean = 3.2). Patients with psychiatric conditions, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those with severe pain were more likely to abuse nurses. Abuse of nurses in UBTH is prevalent, with verbal and emotional abuse being the most reported. Factors such as patient frustration, unrealistic expectations, and poor communication contribute to these incidents. There is a need for hospital management to implement stricter policies against abuse, provide conflict resolution training for nurses, and improve communication between healthcare workers and patients’ relatives. Additionally, security measures should be strengthened to ensure a safer work environment for nurses.