Effectiveness of a knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy program for people having type 2 diabetes mellitus with uncontrolled blood sugar in a northeastern province of Thailand: A quasi-experimental study

Background Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide. Managing individuals with type 2 diabetes requires a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, regular monitoring, and patient education. This study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy program for people having type 2 diabetes mellitus with uncontrolled blood sugar in a northeastern province of Thailand. Methods The study employed a quasi-experimental design. An intervention program Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-efficacy for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled blood sugar, based on Bandura’s self-efficacy concept within the Social Cognitive Theory, was developed and implemented. Integrating Traditional Thai Medicine practices, such as Ruesi Dutton and Maneevej exercises, and Thai foot massage, the program comprised six sessions delivered over 12 weeks. Participants aged 55 years and older receiving treatment at health promotion hospitals in a northeastern province of Thailand were divided into intervention and control groups comprising 43 and 44 individuals, respectively. Data collection utilized a five-part questionnaire covering demographic information, diabetes knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors, as well as measured accumulated blood sugar levels (HbA1c) before and after the program. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and paired sample t-tests. Results After completion of the intervention program, the average scores of the intervention group significantly differed from those of the control group in terms of diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and accumulated blood sugar levels (HbA1c) (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding attitude (p>0.05). Conclusion The intervention program proved to be a valuable tool in promoting better healthcare outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes and improving blood sugar control. Healthcare professionals should encourage, facilitate, and support patients' self-care management while focusing on behavioral changes in newly diagnosed diabetes patients. Future research should involve a larger sample size and examine the sustainability of self-care behaviors over extended durations.