Assessing and Comparing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Insulin Pens in Public and Private Hospitals in Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed and compared the knowledge, attitude and Practice of insulin use and devices among diabetic patients and physicians in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) diabetic clinic and Presbyterian Church of East Africa Kikuyu Hospital (PKH) diabetic clinics. A multi-site, cross-sectional study design was adopted with the use of questionnaires to gather data. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula, and a total of 300 participants were included in the study through consecutive sampling. The study was conducted at the pharmacies dedicated to serving the diabetic clinics in KNH and PKH for 3 months each, or until the estimated sample size was attained. Data was coded and cleaned using Microsoft Excel and analysed using STATA version 14. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were done with the level of significance set at 0.05. The knowledge and practice scores were dichotomised, and logistic regression was utilised to assess the predictors of knowledge and Practice. More PKH patients knew about insulin pens compared to KNH patients (82.7% versus 42.7%). More PKH patients were on insulin pens (40.0% versus 22.7%). Almost all PKH patients primed their pens before use (97% versus 62%). Both facilities had poor practices among diabetics, which included a low frequency of replacing insulin needles (PKH 72% versus KNH 77%). Overall, physicians in both facilities showed good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward insulin pens. Patient attending PKH demonstrated better knowledge and Practice towards insulin pens compared to KNH. Training is needed to address poor practices.