Introduction Objectives Methodology Results

125 The Involvement of Lay Educators In Diabetic Control Of Type 2 Diabetic Patients ABSTRACT The Involvement of Lay Educators in the Diabetic Control of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Sebrina Su HC 1 , Nurhayati Isa 2 , Zawiyah Yusof 3 , Parasuraman Paramaisvary 4 , Amar-Singh HSS 5,6 , Sondi Sararaks 1 , Ranjit Kaur Praim Singh 7 , Narwani Hussin 8 , Asmah Zainal Abidin 7 , Mazilah Jamalludin 2 , Khairul Amir Abdul Rashid 2 1 Institute for Health Systems research 2 Padang Rengas Health Clinic 3 Lintang Health Clinic 4 Hospital Sungai Siput 5 Clinical Research Centre Perak 6 Department of Paediatrics, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh, Perak 7 Kuala Kangsar District Health Office 8 Perak State Health Department Introduction Type 2 diabetes is one of the most commonly found illnesses worldwide and is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The introduction of health promotion programs involving community health workers are known to help diabetic patients bring about positive lifestyle modifications which in effect reduces many adverse risk factors associated with the disease. Objectives This study aimed to improve the diabetic control in type 2 diabetic patients by using lay educators to educated diabetic patients in the areas of knowledge of diabetic control, dietary changes, weight reduction, physical activity levels, HbA1c levels and BMI reduction. The study also aimed to review the effectiveness of using lay educators in the health setting to educate patients to improve health outcomes. Methodology This interventional study was carried out from October 2006 to November 2007 which involved Sungai Siput Hospital as the control centre and Padang Rengas Health Clinic as the intervention centre. 50 diabetic patients were involved in each group. 16 trained lay educators were selected to educate the diabetic patients in the intervention centre. Variables measured were knowledge of diabetic control, dietary changes, physical activity levels, weight reduction, HbA1c levels and body mass index. Data was collected from interview-based questionnaires and by extracting information from patient’s treatment cards. Preliminary data was collected and compared to data collected 3 months following the intervention and analysed.