Effects of a 4D program on blood sugar control among patients with type 2 diabetes in Pathumthani Province

• Main Author: Therawiwat M.
• Other Authors: Mahidol University
• Format: Article
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Medicine
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/86639

Diabetes is considered the most common non-communicable disease, coupled with high blood pressure and lipids. Thus, decreasing carbohydrate, sugar, fat and sodium (4Ds) are target behaviors for patients with diabetes to reduce the chance of long-term complications. This two-group, quasi-experimental research was designed mainly to assess the effects of a 4Ds program on dietary behaviors and blood sugar control of patients with type 2 diabetes in Pathumthani Province. Seventy patients were recruited from the sub-district health promotion hospital (HPH) of Muang District. The experimental group attended the program activities based on Bandura’s social learning theory for 12 weeks. Pre-and post-test data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire. T-test was applied to test the program effectiveness. Findings affirmed the effectiveness of the 4Ds program. Because the experimental group gained more knowledge and had higher self-efficacy to manage blood sugar control behaviors, better perceived outcome expectations in modifying the behaviors and significantly less carbohydrate, sugar, fat and sodium consumption than the comparison group was observed (p<0.001). Their average fasting blood sugar (FBS) decreased to the desired controllable level. The average FBS of the comparison group slightly decreased. The FBS of the experimental group was significantly decreased than the comparison group (p<0.001). In designing an intervention, health officers may use self-efficacy as a starting point of the program features and the knowledge required should be relevant to the designed behavioral targets.