Development and Validation of Self-Management Infographics for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Kenya.
Pauline Muthoni Maina, Melanie Pienaar
PMID 41729104WHAT IT FOUND
Rural Kenyan patients and healthcare workers helped simplify diabetes self-management infographics until 28 images were judged comprehensible.
Local language text, familiar images, side-by-side comparisons, and pointer position mattered more than red-green color coding.
Key findings
01The validation process produced 28 images with comprehension scores above 66%, later grouped into 16 final images.
02Written text in local language, familiar images, and side-by-side presentation helped patients understand the infographics.
03Participants did not consistently read red as dangerous or green as safe; they mainly used the gauge pointer position to judge blood glucose level.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only 13 patients with type 2 diabetes and 7 healthcare workers took part, so the findings may not apply to other populations. The study tested image comprehension, not whether the infographics improved diabetes self-management, kidney function, or other patient outcomes. Health literacy was not measured because no localised tool was available, so some misunderstandings may reflect literacy rather than image design. Agreement bias from outspoken participants may have influenced the group sessions, although the facilitator asked quieter participants first. The colour findings were specific to this group and should not be assumed to apply to all patients in low- and middle-income countries.
Declared interests
Partially funded by the Dr Edward King Bursary and the University of the Free State, South Africa. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that these infographics prevent kidney disease or improve diabetes control. The study tested whether images were understood by a small group of patients and healthcare workers, not whether they changed patient outcomes.