Development of a Model for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among At-Risk Adolescents
Keywords:
Adolescents High Risk Group, Model of the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus PreventionAbstract
This research and development study aimed to develop a preventive model for type 2 diabetes among at-risk adolescents. Study was conducted in two phases, starting by performing a situation analysis. This phase explored risk perception and health literacy related to type 2 diabetes prevention among 10 at-risk adolescents as well as key stakeholders, using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through content analysis. Phase 2 consisted to achieve a preventive model for type 2 diabetes adolescents at risk, based on the analysis and in accordance with the concept of health literacy. The developed model was then implemented with 33 at-risk adolescents, selected by purposive sampling. Sample size was determined using G*Power analysis. Research instruments included: a) the newly-developed type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention Model for at-risk adolescents, b) the “I Can Do” health record manual, c) a Health Literacy Questionnaire, and d) a Diabetes Prevention Behavior Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The research results are as follows.
1. The at-risk adolescents from the sample lacked awareness of their personal risk for type 2 diabetes, had insufficient knowledge and, as a consequence, did not demonstrate appropriate health behaviors. They were unaware of the importance to assess the credibility of information and were not interested in seeking health information from official health agencies. Stakeholders, including parents, did clearly perceive the risk, but did not know how to motivate these adolescents to take care of their health, though they were willing to support weight control activities. Teachers, nurses, and related staff had policies and resources to support diabetes prevention in at-risk adolescents.
2. The developed preventive model aimed to develop: a) knowledge and self-management skills, b) competency in searching valid health information as well as media literacy, and 3) communication and decision-making competencies. The post-intervention mean scores of health literacy and type 2 diabetes preventive behaviors were significantly higher than the pre-intervention scores at the .001 level (t = 4.19, p-value < .001; t = 5.76, p-value < .001).
Therefore, this diabetes prevention model for at-risk adolescents can improve health of adolescent population, improving quality of their lives, while reducing healthcare system costs.
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