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Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with the potential for blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations. The global prevalence of diabetes is rising, particularly in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region, where accessing treatment and antidiabetic drugs is complex, leading to challenges in managing the condition. Intentional and structured therapeutic education has demonstrated its ability to enhance health outcomes in diabetes patients. Given the numerous healthcare deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa, the authors have reevaluated the role of therapeutic patient education (TPE) in this context. Methods: This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We queried four databases between March 14 and June 30, 2023 and conducted Cochrane's Risk of Bias analysis on the included studies. Subsequently, a qualitative synthesis of the results was performed. Results: The final analysis included thirteen studies. Seven of these, which assessed glycemic control, reported statistically significant results. Additionally, other clinical parameters such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and lipid levels also exhibited some significant improvements. Knowledge substantially increased following the intervention, while attitude, self-care practices, and medication adherence showed no significant improvements. Nurse-led and peer-led intervention programs produced positive outcomes, whereas technology-based intervention methods did not yield favorable results. Conclusion: TPE programs in sub-Saharan Africa have a significant impact on both clinical and non-clinical outcomes in diabetes patients. However, the sustainability of these outcomes remains uncertain. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of TPE on diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 31.4 million people in low- and middle-income countries die from chronic diseases annually, particularly in Africa. To address this, strategies such as task-shifting from doctors to nurses have been proposed and have been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a potential solution; however, no comprehensive review exists describing the extent of nurse-led chronic disease management in Africa. Aims: This study aimed to provide a thorough description of the current roles of nurses in managing chronic diseases in Africa, identify their levels of knowledge, the challenges, and gaps they encounter in this endeavor. Methods: We performed a scoping review following the key points of the Cochrane Handbook, and two researchers independently realized each step. Searches were conducted using five databases: MEDLINE, PyscINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase, between October 2021 and April 2023. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was conducted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Downs and Black Scale. Results: Our scoping review included 111 studies from 20 African countries, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana being the most represented. Findings from the included studies revealed varying levels of knowledge. Nurses were found to be actively involved in managing common chronic diseases from diagnosis to treatment. Facilitating factors included comprehensive training, close supervision by physicians, utilization of decision trees, and mentorship. However, several barriers were identified, such as a shortage of nurses, lack of essential materials, and inadequate initial training. Conclusion: There is significant potential for nurses to enhance the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases in Africa. Achieving this requires a combination of rigorous training and effective supervision, supported by robust policies. To address varying levels of knowledge, tailored training programs should be devised. Further research is warranted to establish the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on population health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]