The influence of family characteristics on glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the general outpatient clinic, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: There is an increasing epidemic of diabetes worldwide with many patients not achieving set treatment targets. Family interventions in diabetes patient management, a proven adjunct, have not been fully integrated to patient care. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Department of Family Medicine, National Hospital, Abuja. A total of 156 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited between August and October 2012 with 145 (93%) completing the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to enter and analyse the data. Results: A total of 145 subjects (81 females, 64 males) were studied. Assessment of the relationship between the family characteristics and glycaemic control was significant for family functional status by APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve), which represents the questionnaire categories and social support by the Modified Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), p-value < 0.000. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between family function and social support and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetic patients attending the general outpatient clinic in the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.