The effectiveness of booklets on family knowledge of diabetes mellitus patients about the management of hypoglycaemia

Abstract

The three main acute complications of diabetes mellitus related to an imbalance in glucose levels that lasted in the short term were hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome. The family, as the people closest to and always interacting with the patient, played a significant role in preventing complications. A booklet served as one medium to increase knowledge for families. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the booklet on the knowledge of families of DM patients regarding the management of hypoglycemia. A quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design approach involving pre-test and post-test designs was employed. The population in this study comprised families of Diabetes Mellitus patients who were at Puskesmas (Public Health Centre) Batu X and Puskesmas Mekarbaru, Indonesia. The research sample consisted of 70 respondents selected through purposive sampling. The research variables included demographic factors, family knowledge before and after the intervention in the intervention and control groups, and bivariate analysis. The research instrument employed a questionnaire and a booklet regarding the management of hypoglycemia. Independent t-test analysis was conducted (α = 0.05). The booklet proved effective in improving the knowledge of families of diabetes mellitus patients regarding the management of hypoglycemia, with a p-value of 0.028. The booklet can enhance family knowledge about the management of hypoglycemia. Therefore, every internal medicine clinic or health centre should provide booklets as an educational medium.