Impact of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Women Diabetic Patients : A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious worldwide health challenge, currently affecting over 425 million people globally. India bears a significant burden, with approximately 74 million diagnosed cases as of 2021. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) accounts for more than 95% of these cases, often leading to serious complications and nearly 4 million diabetes-related deaths annually. Women face unique challenges in managing diabetes due to factors such as gestational diabetes and sociocultural barriers that limit access to care and adherence to treatment.

Objectives

To assess the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of women living with diabetes and to determine the impact of structured educational programs on enhancing their disease management.

Materials and Methods

A prospective interventional study was conducted among 218 women diagnosed with diabetes at a tertiary care hospital. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group and the control group. Baseline and follow-up KAP assessments were conducted using a validated questionnaire. The intervention group received diabetes education through interactive sessions, counseling, and educational leaflets, while the control group received standard care.

Results

The intervention group demonstrated improved awareness and self-care practices compared to the control group. Although many participants understood basic diabetes concepts, misconceptions persisted, especially regarding treatment and lifestyle changes. Greater improvements in KAP scores were observed among those with longer disease duration.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of gender-specific education and improved healthcare access. Structured educational programs can significantly enhance diabetes awareness, self-care, and quality of life among women. Broader studies are recommended for long-term assessment.