A Comprehensive Study on the Benefits of Education and Home-Based Follow-Up on Diabetes Awareness and Behavior Modifications in Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Home-based education for diabetes management in Iraq

Background: This study, conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, aimed to investigate the impact of education and home-based follow-up on diabetes awareness and behavior modifications among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Given the high prevalence and mortality rate of diabetes in Iraq, this research addresses a critical public health issue by exploring effective management strategies for one of the country's leading causes of death.

Methods: We employed a semi-experimental, two-group design with pretest and posttest assessments. The study was conducted in 2023 in Baghdad, Iraq. Using the hospital's records and through direct involvement at the diabetes and endocrinology treatment center, 60 T2DM patients were selected. Participants, aged between 30 and 80 years with an HbA1c level of greater than 9%, were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group underwent four 1-hour training sessions and received 3 monthly home visits. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed employing chi-square test, t-test, and ANOVA in SPSS software.

Results: Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group in terms of diabetes awareness and health behaviors, with F and P values demonstrating these changes. For example, walking frequency improved (F = 58.45; P = 0.001), and better adherence to dietary guidelines was noted (F = 26.47; P = 0.004). These results contrast with less pronounced changes in the control group, indicating the effectiveness of the educational intervention and home follow-up.

Conclusion: The findings confirm the effectiveness of home-based education and follow-up in enhancing diabetes awareness and self-management behaviors in T2DM patients. This approach led to significant improvements in health behaviors and diabetes awareness, with potential economic benefits. Future research should explore the scalability and sustainability of these interventions in different settings.