An Educational Intervention Strategy on Diabetes Mellitus in Ojo del Agua, Holguín

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging public health concern, which will show a growth of 45% by the year 2030, influenced by demographic increase and population aging on a global scale.

Objective: To develop an educational strategy on diabetes mellitus and to implement it in the community of Ojo de Agua, Holguín.

Methods: A research was carried out following the quantitative-qualitative paradigm, with a source or study population of 27 diabetic patients who were characterized based on variables selected in the period 2020-2021. A Likert-type scale, previously validated by experts and with a Cronbach's α of 0.693, was applied, together with the Martín-Bayarre-Grau questionnaire for adherence.

Results: The diabetics were mostly characterized by the female sex, an aging population, a low level of schooling, excess malnutrition, and partial adherence to treatment. An educational strategy was elaborated and implemented, with an action plan organized by objectives in which the concept of "think globally and act locally" was applied, which, at six months, increased adherence with a favorable attitude towards the control of the disease.

Conclusions: The educational strategy on diabetes mellitus provided the necessary means for improving and exercising greater control over individual and family health, by creating a favorable environment with reinforcement of community actions and favorable personal attitudes, with greater adherence to treatment, which allowed better control of the disease, with an increase in the quality of life of the entire population.