dc.description.abstract | Background: This study assessed the socioeconomic inequalities in in health among patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluated the role of social capital. Social capital has
been considered as an essential though intangible resource towards provision of healthcare
services. Given the rising concern of socioeconomic inequalities in population health and the
rising burden of diabetes in the country, understanding the extent of these inequalities in diabetes
control is important in strengthening healthcare systems. Social capital provides useful insights
into how social networks of persons and communities can be employed to boost the desired
results for the person and the community in regards to their health. The current prevalence rate of
Diabetes in Kenya is at 4.56%. In addition, about 14% of Kenyans have impaired glucose
tolerance; a pre-diabetic state. There are more cases of diabetes in urban as compared to rural
areas in Kenya.
Objectives: There is limited literature available on the role of social capital among diabetes
patients in Kenya. The study sought to find out: The association between social capital and
glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients; the estimated socioeconomic inequalities in
health among type 2 diabetes patients and establish the link between social capital and
socioeconomic inequalities in glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study design with a sample size of 363 individuals
with T2DM aged between 20 and 79 were selected through systematic random sampling
approach and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires at the Nakuru level V Hospital
(NKLVH). Marginal effects analysis was used to estimate the determinants of glycaemic control
and concentration index to estimate socioeconomic inequalities in glycaemic control and
Random Blood Sugar control.
Findings: The results from probit regression showed that the chi square for likelihood ratio test
was significant suggesting that the independent variables jointly influenced glycaemic control.
The concentration index illustrated that good glycaemic control was concentrated among T2DM
patients in higher income categories. When the concentration index was conducted comparing
the T2DM patients in support groups and those not in support groups, there was no significant
difference demonstrating that social capital was not influencing socioeconomic inequality among
the T2DM patients in Nakuru County. In the probit regression analysis, not being a member of
the support group had a negative effect on glycaemic control.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it was observed that there exists inequity in glycaemic
control among T2DM patients in Nakuru County. Social capital was found not to influence
inequalities in glycaemic control. However, living in urban area, having secondary and above
education and being female significantly caused inequality in T2DM control. To improve
management and control of T2DM, the government needs to address socioeconomic inequalities
associated with glycaemic control and random blood sugar control. | en_US |