Keywords: Diabetes, Self Management, Patient Education

Background:

Diabetes is a chronic disease with acute and chronic complications. Diabetes mellitus (DM) management requires patient involvement. Management and awareness of diabetes can vary from patient to patient. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to encounter healthcare professionals working in primary care settings. Each patient's awareness, attitude, and behavior play a role in diabetes management.

Research questions:

What are the attitudes and behaviors of patients with diabetes in our population regarding DM management ?
Can patient education modify a patient’s attitudes and behaviors?
What is the impact of our education program on DM management skills in our patients ?

Method:

This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The study will utilize the "Comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Scale" and a sociodemographic information form. Participants who have applied to the Family Health Center in primary care settings and have provided their consent to participate will be included. This scale includes 14 questions regarding nutrition, physical activity, medication use, blood glucose monitoring, problem-solving skills, reducing diabetes-related risks, and coping with stress.

Results:

The study is in its preliminary stages. The dependent variables are the patient's scale score; HbA1c, and the independent variables are disease duration, age, gender, and educational status of the patients.

Conclusions:

The study will contribute to the literature on the effect of patient education on the management of diabetes in patients in primary care outpatient clinic settings. Patient education programs can be planned concerning the individual needs of the patients. Patients' diabetes management skills and disease awareness may be increased.

Points for discussion:

Do you have any other scale suggestions?

What kind of methods can we use for patient education?