English Abstract
Abstract :
This study on evaluation and identification of the learning needs of diabetes mellitus patients attending the outpatient Department of North Muharraq Health Center, Bahrain (Bahrain is an island in the Arabian Gulf between Saudia Arabia and Qatar. For details see Appendix I.) is a descriptive study. The purpose of the study was to identify specific health related problems and learning needs of the diabetes mellitus patients prior to designing a health education program.
The sample size was 50 Bahraini patients, of age range 28-70 years, who attented the outpatient department at North Muharraq Health Center within a specific period of time from December 18, 1988
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to December 26, 1988. The questionnaire from the Diabetes Care Profile was administered by face to face structured interview, within a time limit of 45 minutes. It was translated into Arabic to make it understandable in the language of the patients. General information was asked to specify sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes. control, social and emotional factors, long-term outcomes, and specific interest which gave an overall picture of the diabetes. mellitus patients.
Statistical analysis included frequencies, measures of central tendency and correlation coefficients. The study showed significant results between age and long term outcome and sex and emotional factors. There were no significant results in the areas of diabetes control, regimen and compliance, or social support. The subjects expressed interest and motivation in identifying specific learning. needs such as diet.
