TITLE:
Effect of Educational Intervention on Type II Diabetes Mellitus Control
AUTHORS:
Mazen Elkurd, Jena Nakata, Burke Voelkel, Mohammad Wadud, Joy H. Lewis
KEYWORDS:
Diabetes, Education, Motivation, Behavior
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.4 No.6,
June
13,
2014
ABSTRACT: Rural Alabama currently lacks resources to
significantly impact the trend of increasing rates of diabetes. Therefore,
this pilot study was designed to evaluate the effect of an education intervention
on knowledge, motivation, and attitudes of participants with Type II diabetes
mellitus. The aim was to improve lifestyle and overall control of diabetes for
a rural, vulnerable population. Ten participants (7 with diabetes and 3 with pre-diabetes) attended three
class sessions over a two-month period with presentations focused on general
diabetes information, diet, exercise, and proper management through glucose
measurement and medications. A pre- and post-survey design evaluated
participants’ behaviors, knowledge, motivation and attitude towards making
lifestyle changes. Responses were compared pre- to post-intervention. While
knowledge levels related to diabetes, diet, and exercise increased, the changes
were not statistically significant. Similarly, participants expressed
increased motivation towards weight loss, healthful eating, exercise and positive
lifestyle choices. However, these changes were not statistically significant. This pilot study demonstrates an increase in
personal knowledge, motivation, and attitude for a small group of patients with
diabetes or pre-diabetes. These group classes are inexpensive and will be easy
to replicate with larger groups. They demonstrate the potential to motivate
patients towards positive change.