Pharmacist Involvement in Diabetes Self-Management Education Programmes in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Background: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programmes empower patients to make informed decisions about their condition and treatment. Pharmacists are well-positioned to deliver and support DSME, yet their involvement in such programmes in North West Nigeria remains poorly documented. This study assessed pharmacist involvement and effectiveness in DSME delivery in Sokoto State. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted. Quantitative data were collected from 75 pharmacists in hospital and community settings using a structured questionnaire on DSME participation, training, and perceived impact. Qualitative focus group discussions were held with 24 diabetic patients who had received pharmacist-delivered diabetes education. Results: Only 27 percent of pharmacists were actively involved in structured DSME programmes. Barriers included inadequate DSME-specific training (69%), absence of formal referral mechanisms (54%), and time limitations (48%). Patient focus groups revealed high satisfaction with pharmacist-delivered education, particularly on medication use and dietary considerations. Conclusion: Pharmacist involvement in DSME in Sokoto is limited despite patient receptiveness. Structured DSME certification for pharmacists and formalised multidisciplinary diabetes care pathways are needed to strengthen this practice area. Keywords: diabetes self-management education, pharmacist involvement, Sokoto, DSME, chronic disease