Background: Poor self-management behavior is one of the causes of the high number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of theater performing arts (TPA) based community empowerment as a form of education in improving the blood glucose control practices of patients with T2DM in Yogyakarta. Methods: This study used quantitative methods with a quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre post-test control group design. The subjects of this study were “Prolanis member” patients with T2DM in the four primary health care centers in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Sampling was done by purposive sampling at four primary care in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. From 138 T2DM patients, only 102 were eligible to become respondents. The questionnaires were adapted to the recommendations of endocrine experts’ associations to measure the level of T2DM patients’ knowledge, attitude and practices. Intervention was done for three months, from October to December 2019. Measurements were made before and after the TPA. Results: Attitude and behavior scores showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) after TPA intervention. Meanwhile, the average score of knowledge after the TPA intervention showed no significant increase (P > 0.05). Good self-management behavior in patients with T2DM was observed in Sleman Regency. Education through TPA based community empowerment should be considered as an appropriate intervention to improve DM management practice. Patients can receive material that is delivered easily because of the relaxed and pleasant environment during TPA. Conclusions: Theater performing arts (TPA) based community empowerment can create a relaxed and pleasant environment to improve blood glucose control practices in Yogyakarta.

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