Assessment of the outcome of an educational programme of diabetes self-care

Abstract

The efficacy of our current educational programme for diabetic patients was assessed. Cognitive and behavioural tests were administered to 75 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, aged less than or equal to 30 years attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. An overall deficiency in knowledge was evident. Fifty-one patients responded incorrectly to greater than 20% of the items tested. Twenty-nine patients lacked the ability to communicate a simple understanding of diabetes. Whereas most (70 +) correctly identified the methodology of urinalysis, uncertainty was evident concerning appropriate action needed in response to such tests. Forty-nine did not know the significance of thirst and polyuria and 20 were unaware that hyperglycaemia could progress to coma. The ability to modify insulin dosage was poor as was the ability to use exchanges. Of patients aged greater than or equal to 20 years, those from the Dublin region scored better than did those from surrounding towns or rural areas, (r = 0.5; p less than 0.01). Regular out-patient attenders scored less well than non-attenders (r = 0.24; p less than 0.05) but had better glycosylated haemoglobin levels (r = 0.3; p less than 0.01). Gycosylated haemoglobin showed no significant correlation with level of knowledge held.

Effect of Computer-Based Learning on Diabetes Knowledge and Control

“…10 However, in our evaluation, knowledge increment from phase A to phase B did not correlate with final level of glycemic control, although significantly only in NIDDM patients. Nevertheless, the low order of this correlation suggests that only part of the benefit of computer-based learning is likely to be mediated by knowledge increment.…”

The Starr County Diabetes Education Study

“…Although knowledge alone does not guarantee requisite behavior modifications or effective self-management (10,11), the assessment of diabetes-related knowledge is an important first step from which to individualize diabetes education programs and make evaluations of their effectiveness (12). However, there are few reliable and valid instruments with which to measure outcomes, particularly for individuals who speak a language other than English.…”

The Construct Validity of an Instrument for Measuring Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care Knowledge in Nigeria

“…Studies have demonstrated that knowledge about medications, diet, exercise, home glucose monitoring, foot care, and treatment modifications is necessary to effectively selfmanage diabetes [12,13]. Although knowledge alone does not guarantee requisite behaviour modifications or effective self-management [14], the assessment of diabetes self-care related knowledge is an important first step from which to individualize diabetes education programs and make evaluations of their effectiveness [15].…”