The results of applying participatory learning process to develop health literacy for diabetes risk group in Na Udom Subdistrict, Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province.

Abstract

      This action research aims to apply a participatory learning process to develop health literacy for diabetes risk groups in Na Udom Subdistrict, Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province. Divided into three phases: Phase 1 involves studying the local context and situation; Phase 2 involves applying participatory learning processes; and Phase 3 involves evaluating the development results. The sample group consisted of 201 individuals at risk of diabetes, selected using purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria. The tools consisted of four sets, including one quantitative tool that had undergone quality control by the Department of Disease Control. And three sets of qualitative tools were used to check the quality of content and structure validity by three experts.Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis, and the paired t-test was used for inferential statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.               

      The research findings revealed that the geographical context was a farming society living according to the rural lifestyle of northeastern Thailand. Cooking practices featured fermented fish paste (Plara) as a key ingredient, and sticky rice was the staple food, consumed until full. Past community-based diabetes care models lacked a clear monitoring and surveillance system. All participants had blood glucose levels between 101 and 125 mg/dL. 66.17% were overweight/obese, and 68.42% of males and 65.97% of females had excessive waist circumference. The body mass index (BMI) was in the overweight category for 66.17% of individuals, and the waist circumference exceeded the limit for 68.42% of men and 65.97% of women, respectively. The percentages of men and women with excessive waist circumference were 68.42% and 65.97%, respectively. Health literacy and health behaviors were at a poor level in 53.73% and 55.22% of cases, respectively. The application of participatory learning processes in developing health literacy consists of four steps. These include: 1) Planning, through practical training and setting individual blood sugar control goals, and developing community-based health behavior modification plans based on local strategies. Health behavior modification uses the 3 A's and 2 S's approach : 3 E's (Eating, Exercise, Emotion),2 S's (Stop Smoking, Stop Alcohol Drinking). The event was organized with the support of health role models and partner networks. 3) Observation and recording of results, by establishing a monitoring system through participatory empowerment visits and creating channels for communication, encouragement, and close consultation. and 4) Reflecting on the results by organizing a forum for lessons learned and feedback. The results of the development showed that the average scores for health literacy and health behavior increased significantly at the 0.05 statistical significance level.The sample group showed a significant improvement in health conditions that put them at risk of developing diabetes. The percentage of overweight individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased to 43.78 percent, while the percentage of men with excessive waist circumference decreased to 33.33 percent and 50.69 percent for women, respectively.The percentage of people with blood sugar levels within the risk range for diabetes decreased to 41.79 percent. One new case of diabetes was reported.