The Effect of a Transactional Program on Self-care Behavior and Blood Sugar Levels Among Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

The number of diabetes patients continues to increase every year. This disease is the cause of numerous complications, affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. Preventing these complications by maintaining blood sugar levels within normal ranges is of utmost importance. This research aimed to study the effects of a transactional program on self-care behavior and blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design with two groups, measuring results before and after the experiment. The sample consisted of 60 type 2 diabetes patients who were unable to control their blood sugar levels and were receiving blood sugar control medication. They were divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 30 patients in each group. The instruments were a transactional program, a self-management knowledge manual for diabetes patients, and a self-care behavior questionnaire.  Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and Paired t-tests. The results showed that, after participating in the program, diabetes patients had significantly higher average self-care behavior scores and lower blood sugar levels at a statistical significance level of .05 compared to before joining the program. Moreover, when compared to the control group, the experimental group had significantly higher average self-care behavior scores and lower blood sugar levels at a statistical significance level of .05. Based on these findings, healthcare teams can apply the targeted interaction program to modify the behavior of diabetes patients in the community. This approach can reduce the risk of complications from high blood sugar levels, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for diabetes patients.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​