Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: January | Volume: 9 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 171-180
Exploring Type 2 Diabetes Patients’ Perception and Understanding on the Usage of Diabetes Conversation Map at Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Nadia Amirudin, Albeny Joslyn Panting, Nurbaidurah Ithnain, Rosnani Kassim, Hapsah Mohd Dusa
Researcher of Institute For Health Behavioral Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Rumah Sakit Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Corresponding Author: Nadia Amirudin
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Diabetic patients should be exposed to effective learning methods to educate them on self-management without expecting solely on the help from health professionals. This study aims to see the perception of patients’ acceptance of the Diabetes Conversation Map among type 2 diabetes patients as an alternative learning method in addition to the existing educational methods.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from September to November 2014 with type 2 diabetes patients who were recruited from the Diabetes Clinic, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A group of 15 respondents were selected through purposive sampling which comprised of seven males and eight females. They were guided in a group on how to use the Diabetes Conversation Map which focussed on healthy eating habits and active living lifestyles. Data collection was conducted by using in-depth interview technique.
Results: In our study, it was observed that most respondents showed positive acceptance and understanding towards healthy eating habits and active living lifestyles. This map could help them to change their eating habits and lifestyle to be more active. Majority respondents stated that among the benefits of healthy eating habits were to prevent weight gain and regulate blood sugar content. They aware that healthy eating habits can prevent complications from chronic diabetic diseases. Besides, most respondents claimed that among the benefits of adopting an active living lifestyle is to control weight and the body mass index, having a healthy body with a smart brain and able to control blood sugar levels. Moreover, learning techniques such as discussions enabled them to easily understand and relate to their personal experiences. They were comfortable to give their opinions even though they were meeting for the first time.
Conclusions: Majority of respondents showed their preference and positive acceptance towards the Diabetes Conversation Map as compared to other methods of learning. They exhibited more interest in interactive discussion which delivers new experiences and found that this learning experience were more effective and better than individual education.
Key words: perceptions, learning process, social support, conversation map