CUIDAME: a pharmacology and nutrition education program for ESPOL workers with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

BackgroundPolypharmacy and self‐medication are frequent problems in patients with chronic non‐communicable diseases (CNCD). Accompanied by low health literacy (HA) affects the patient's medical treatment and nutritional status. For this reason, the present study aimed to design a virtual program of good practices for the consumption of medicines and food through digital media to improve the knowledge of these practices in workers of the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) with NCDs.MethodThe study was descriptive, observational, cross‐sectional, where the Ultra Indispensable Food Care Program for Efficient Medication (CUIDAME) was implemented. Twenty subjects from the areas of administration, teaching, and laboratory technicians from ESPOL participated. These had one or more NCDs and consumed more medications, supplements, or natural products. Updated and personalized information was provided to the educational needs through a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire. The educational material consisted of 4 sets of infographics, two online videos, and one digital guide. With a final survey, knowledge and level of satisfaction were assessed. For the statistical analysis, the InfoStat software was used.ResultsWe determined that the participants did not know about their treatment consumption and performed self‐medication. 87% of the participants had not received information on food for medical treatment, 48% had not yet made changes in their diet, but 65% considered that they could improve practices in consuming medications. After the program, it was shown that 53% had adequate knowledge about general dietary recommendations. In general, 59% reflected an excellent, and 41% reflected a very good total rating of the programConclusionInsufficient information about their nutritional therapy and forgetfulness in the medication intake schedule were the leading causes of poor knowledge and lack of treatment adherence. The best strategy for disseminating nutritional and pharmacological information was the CUIDAME Program and the guide given in virtual mode.