The Effects of Dietary Program on Blood Sugar Control among Thai Muslim Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Narathiwat Province

Abstract

     Food consumption behavior modification in diabetic patients can control blood glucose and prevent complications. This quasi-experimental research was to study the effects of the dietary program on blood sugar control among Thai Muslim elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were unable to control blood glucose and were treated at diabetes clinic, Kayomati Health Promotion Hospital, Bacho District, Narathiwat Province.

     The research was conducted in two groups, each group of 27 patients. The experimental group participated in the four activities of the program applied self-efficacy theory, consisting of giving knowledge, modelling, targeting, fasting capillary blood glucose, recording dietary behavior for seven days, questioning and motivation about important destinations in their life.               The comparison group received suggestions from Public Health personnel in accordance with the normal service system, the time duration for total in 3 months. Data were evaluated before and after using an interview form on the 9th week and measured fasting blood sugar (FBS) level on the 12th week. Data analysis was done with statistics using percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, Independent t-test, Paired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.

     After the experimentation on the 9th week, The mean scores about food consumption knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectation and behavior of the experimental group was found to be significantly higher than based line and the comparison group (p<0.001). At the 12th week, the experimental group had significantly lower blood glucose than before the experimentation and the comparison group (p<0.001, p=0.003 respectively). Therefore, other health-promoting hospitals with similar socio-cultural contexts, especially in the three southern border provinces are recommended to apply this program to elderly Thai Muslim.