Abstract
Purpose :
To examine the effectiveness of a culturally/linguistically appropriate training program, using video clips (so people who could not read or write could understand) and individual patient-centred reporting, to improve knowledge, awareness, lifestyle and diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening uptake in newly diagnosed diabetic patients in Nepal.
Methods :
The training program was developed using video clips by a multidisciplinary team of experts. The training included advice on diabetes, diet, physical activity, the importance of retinal screening etc. A total of 110 participants with newly diagnosed diabetes (mean age=46±11 years) were recruited and divided randomly into two groups: intervention (n=55) and control (n=55). Baseline data on knowledge/awareness, diet, physical activity, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, etc. were collected from both groups. All participants received doctor’s recommended treatment for diabetes and were followed up after three (n=110) and six (n=41) months. Changes in HbA1c, cholesterol, BP, uptake of DR screening, knowledge/awareness about diabetes, diet, physical activities, etc. were recorded.
Results :
Mean age, gender and HbA1c, BP, cholesterol, knowledge/awareness about diabetes, diet and physical activity did not differ significantly between the groups at baseline (p≥0.12). After three months, a significantly greater number of participants in the intervention group showed: (i) improved knowledge/awareness about diabetes control, physical activity levels and healthy eating (p≤0.05); (ii) significantly reduced HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein, and systolic BP levels (p≤0.06). All (100%) participants in the intervention group had retinal screening done as confirmed by their clinical reports (13% had already developed early signs of DR), compared to 0% in the control group. Improvement in knowledge/awareness about diabetes and clinical outcomes in the intervention group were found to be sustained after six months.
Conclusions :
A culturally/linguistically appropriate training program using video clips is effective in improving knowledge/awareness about diabetes control, lifestyle, and promoting DR screening uptake in Nepal. This may be vital in reducing the risk of diabetic complications including diabetes-related blindness.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.