Effectiveness of Using Handbook with Traffic Light for Food Groups in a Medical Nutrition Therapy on Knowledge, Food Consumption Behavior and Blood Sugar Levels of Diabetic Patients in Nong Bua Hospital, Nong Bua District, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effects of using handbook with traffic light for food groups on knowledge, food consumption behavior and blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. Participants were diabetic patients from a Diabetic Clinic, Nong Bua Hospital, Nong Bua District, Nakhon Sawan Province, who were selected through systematic sampling into the experimental and comparative groups for 30 cases each. A one-time education and instruction of knowledge on diabetic diet using handbook with traffic light for food groups was provided to the experimental group through a medical nutrition therapy process. While the comparison group was also received the same program except for handbook without traffic light for food groups. The results were measured 1 month after experiment. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Independent sample t-test and Paired t-test.

          After the intervention, the findings showed that participants in the experimental group had knowledge scores on diabetic diet and food consumption behavior scores significantly higher than before the intervention, and higher than those of the comparison group (p<0.05), but had blood glucose level significantly lower than before the intervention (p=0.005), and lower than the comparison group (p=0.01). This research indicated that handbook for diabetic patients with traffic light for food groups should be improved and extended using.