Awareness, Availability and Utilization of Smart and Functional Garments In Managing Diabetes Among Working-Class Women (Aged 30-60) In Enugu State: Implications for Sustainable Family Development

The study is a cross-sectional survey to determine the awareness, availability and utilization of smart and functional garments in managing diabetes among working class women (aged 30-60) in Enugu State: Implication for sustainable family development. Population for the study comprised 120 outpatient working class female diabetics (30--60 years) attending clinics at Teaching Hospitals in Enugu State. Instrument for data collection was a questionnaire while data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Major findings include None of the smart garments; t-shirts, jackets, tops, skirts, pants, gowns, socks, shoes, bras were available or utilized as management support for the diabetics because diabetics were not aware of them and not available. The only functional garments mostly aware of custom-made body fit garments (85.0%) and old garments altered to fit (66.7%). They were also available (70.8%, 83.3%) and utilized (53.3% and 66.7% respectively). Only use of clean, soft bandages out of six diabetic hygiene and good grooming related management supports was aware of (75.8%), available (59.2%) and adopted (53.3%). The study concludes that working-class female diabetics in Enugu State lack adequate information on the role of smart garments, hygiene and good grooming for effective diabetic management for quality life. These could impact negatively not only on their health, psychosocial and mental well-being but on their productive and family lives. The study therefore recommends the need for effective health education and to put in place programs to promote greater awareness, availability and utilization of fashionable smart and functional garments at the local markets and hospitals for easy accessibility for the diabetics.