Effects of a 4D program on blood sugar control among patients with type 2 diabetes in Pathumthani Province

Abstract

Diabetes is considered the most common non-communicable disease, coupled with high blood pressure and lipids. Thus, decreasing carbohydrate, sugar, fat and sodium (4Ds) are target behaviors for patients with diabetes to reduce the chance of long-term complications. This two-group, quasi-experimental research was designed mainly to assess the effects of a 4Ds program on dietary behaviors and blood sugar control of patients with type 2 diabetes in Pathumthani Province. Seventy patients were recruited from the sub-district health promotion hospital (HPH) of Muang District. The experimental group attended the program activities based on Bandura’s social learning theory for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-test data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire. T-test was applied to test the program effectiveness. Findings affirmed the effectiveness of the 4Ds program. Because the experimental group gained more knowledge and had higher self-efficacy to manage blood sugar control behaviors, better perceived outcome expectations in modifying the behaviors and significantly less carbohydrate, sugar, fat and sodium consumption than the comparison group was observed (p<0.001). Their average fasting blood sugar (FBS) decreased to the desired controllable level. The average FBS of the comparison group slightly decreased. The FBS of the experimental group was significantly decreased than the comparison group (p<0.001). In designing an intervention, health officers may use self-efficacy as a starting point of the program features and the knowledge required should be relevant to the designed behavioral targets

Irritant and repellent behaviors of sterile male Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes are crucial in the development of disease control strategies applying sterile insect technique

“…Several research studies have integrated vector control approaches ( Achee et al, 2019 ; Golding et al, 2015 ; Van Den Berg et al, 2007 ). Similar steps towards integrated vector management have been made in Thailand against dengue vectors ( Kittayapong et al, 2008 ; Kittayapong et al, 2019 ; Therawiwat et al, 2005 ).…”

Testing of the "Gizinesia" Website as an Educational Media for Diabetes Mellitus Patients

“…The information must be specific to achieve the individual's behavioural health targets. Observation skills, the ability to make judgments and the patient's capacity to react appropriately should be emphasized individually for example through the provision of special media for self-monitoring; by identifying the criteria for conducting the assessment; suggests a realistic evaluation of selfefficacy (Therawiwat et al, 2022).…”