Educational Curriculum for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Patients at the Public Health Center in Salatiga City, Central Java Province

Abstract

The efficacy of diabetes mellitus (DM) therapy is not only contingent on the pharmacological agents but also significantly influenced by the depth of patient comprehension regarding therapeutic management. Therefore, designed educational interventions pertinent to individual requirements must be administered, including the intricacies of DM therapy management. This qualitative study was carried out in January February 2023 at 6 Public Health Center in Salatiga City. The investigative method employed was semi-structured interviews, conducted with a cohort of DM patients between the ages of 55 to 65 years, who possessed proficient communicative skills in the Indonesian language, and voluntarily answered each question. Meanwhile, individuals concurrently engaged in healthcare vocations were excluded and the interview process was documented in the form of an audio recording. The results showed that patients still need education regarding proper diet for diabetics including the type, amount, and schedule. Guidance relating to appropriate physical activities catering to DM patients, in conjunction with the discernment of medication indications, potential side effects, storage requisites, and administration protocols, emerged as critical topics. This study stated that DM patients need educational curriculum related to diet/nutrition, physical activity, medicines, and DM complications.