Results of volunteer program for diabetic patients on Promotive behavior to control bloodsugar levels and HbA1C of Diabetic patients in Phra That Subdistrict, Chiang Khwan District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

Purposes: To compare blood sugar control behaviors and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of diabetic patients before and after participation in the developed program.

Study design: A quasi-experimental study using a one-group pretest-posttest design.                                                                             

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among diabetic patients residing in Phra That Subdistrict, Chiang Khwan District, Roi Et Province. The sample consisted of 40 participants who were purposively selected and randomly assigned using simple random sampling by drawing lots without replacement. Data were collected before and after the intervention between October 2023 and May 2024. The participants received the Volunteer Program for Diabetic Patients to Promote Blood Glucose Control Behaviors, in which volunteer patients were paired with diabetic patients to jointly develop diabetes self-care through meetings, practical training, home visit observations, and telemedicine activities. Empowerment sessions were also conducted to review and strengthen patient self-care. The program was based on the Self-Management Concept, consisting of goal setting, self-regulation, self-evaluation, and self-reinforcement. To ensure shared understanding, the Blood Glucose Control Behavior Questionnaire was used as a guideline for home visits over a 16-week period (once a week). Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire and the Blood Glucose Control Behavior Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to compare pre- and post-intervention results, employing the Paired t-test.

Main findings: After participating in the program, the participants showed a statistically significant increase in the overall mean score of blood glucose control behaviors. The mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level significantly decreased (p < .0001), with an average reduction of 0.60 mg% (95% CI: 0.431, 0.784) after the intervention.

Conclusion and recommendations: It was evident that the volunteer program enhanced the blood glucose control behaviors of diabetic patients after participating in the program compared to before participation. The program increased patients’ confidence in self-care and encouraged them to become role models for other diabetic patients in the community.