Development of an Oral Medication Self-Management Handbook for Elderly Muslim Patients with Diabetes

Abstract

            This research aimed to develop an oral medication self–management handbook for Muslim elderly with diabetes. By applying the self–management model (Kanfer & Gaelick-Buys, 1991), four steps were conducted. Firstly, the literature related to self–management and medication adherence in the elderly with diabetes was reviewed. Secondly, a self–management handbook for the elderly with diabetes was designed and its content validity examined by 4 experts. Thirdly, the newly developed handbook was tested using 5 Muslim elderly with diabetes. Lastly, the handbook was modified based on suggestions of the users.

            The handbook comprised 4 parts of the medication self- management process: 1) goal-setting motivated by Muslim belief and doctrine, 2) self-monitoring by daily recording, 3) self-evaluation by reviewing the record, and 4) self-reinforcement by rewarding achievement. The content validity showed that the handbook was appropriate for the Muslim elderly with diabetes. The users reported it was readable, clear and easy to understand. Its size was appropriate and its  pictures were attractive. However, modifications were made based on recommendation by adding more contents on medication self-management, techniques, medication recording and self-reinforcement strategies. The final version of the handbook, it can be used for supporting oral medication self–management in Muslim elderly with diabetes.