The Effects of the Diabetic Kindergarten Program for Health Literacy Promotion and Diabetes Risk Reduction in High-Risk Groups, Nikhom Kham Soi Hospital, Mukdahan Province The Effects of the Diabetic Kindergarten Program for Health Literacy Promotion and Diabetes Risk Reduction in High-Risk Groups, Nikhom Kham Soi Hospital, Mukdahan Province

Abstract

Abstract

          This study employed a one-group pretest-posttest action research design, integrating Edward Deming’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) framework through the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Diabetes School" educational program on Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, disease-specific knowledge, self-management behaviors, and participant satisfaction among pre-diabetic individuals. Methodology: The purposive sample consisted of 30 pre-diabetic subjects (aged >35 years, Fasting Capillary Blood Glucose >100 mg/dL) in the Nikhom Kham Soi Hospital service area. The 12-week intervention included six structured educational sessions, self-care skills training, instructional manual utilization, and continuous monitoring. Data were collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Statistical significance was determined using Repeated Measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons.

            The majority of participants were female (86.7%), with a mean age of 52.7 years, primary education background (70.0%), and primarily engaged in agriculture (86.7%). Clinical Outcomes: Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant change in mean HbA1c levels over time (F(2,58)=10.42,p=.001). Mean HbA1c decreased from 6.53% at baseline to 6.11% post-intervention and remained stable at 6.12% at the 3-month follow-up. Knowledge and Behavior: Significant improvements were observed in both knowledge and self-care behavior scores across all three time points (p<.001). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed that post-intervention and follow-up scores were significantly higher than baseline. Satisfaction: Participant satisfaction reached the highest level.

             The "Diabetes School" program demonstrated high effectiveness in optimizing HbA1c levels and enhancing self-management competencies. This model serves as a robust evidence-based prototype for improving diabetes prevention systems in primary care settings to reduce the incidence of new diabetes cases

           Keywords: Pre DM, Education programs, HbA1c blood sugar control. Diabetes school

*Corresponding author: Thidaluck  ThamThong   e-mail: Tidaluck_48@bcnsp.ac.th