Publication:

Comparative study of diabetic self-care management “educational intervention among family members on diabetic individuals”, in rural field practicing area, a cluster randomization study

Background To achieve optimal blood glucose levels educating diabetic patient alone may not be sufficient but the entire family must have access to proven preventive measure. The present study was done to assess the outcome of self-care management practices educational intervention among family member on diabetic individuals.

Methods This prospective interventional cluster randomization study was conducted in rural field practice area, attached to department of Community medicine of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences. Clusters were formed among the population based on the sub-centres and four clusters were randomly selected. Two clusters were assigned for family intervention and two clusters with individual intervention.

Results Consuming 5 or more serving of fruits and vegetables for more than 5 days a week, increased in the FIC after education and the difference in increase was statistically significant (p<0.02). Physical activity with specific exercise sessions increase after the intervention and the increase was statistically significant in the FIC (p<0.08).  Adherence to medication and testing attained statistically significant increase in the FIC. Also washing of foot daily with luke-warm water increase was statistically significant in both the Intervention Clusters (p<0.0002). On subsequent follow up there was a significant improvement in BMI of family intervention cluster (p<0.03) as compared to individual intervention cluster.

Conclusions Health education intervention activity at the community involving the supportive members of the family can drive-in to bring about behavioural change in the desired direction.