Effectiveness of a Structured Educational Program on Knowledge of the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Adults in a Rural Community of Mangaluru, India

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide and poses a substantial public health challenge. Adequate knowledge regarding its prevention and management is essential for promoting healthy lifestyles, improving self-care practices, and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Community-based educational interventions are effective strategies for enhancing public awareness and encouraging preventive behaviours. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme in improving knowledge related to the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults residing in a selected rural community of Mangaluru. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was employed. The study included 150 adults aged 30–50 years who were selected through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Participants' baseline knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire before the educational intervention. A structured teaching programme on the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus was then delivered, followed by a post-test using the same instrument. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the paired t-test. Results: The educational intervention resulted in a significant improvement in participants' knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 12.97 ± 5.28 during the pre-test to 25.26 ± 7.29 in the post-test, with a mean gain score of 12.29. Statistical analysis  demonstrated that this improvement was highly significant (t = 17.82, p < 0.05). Knowledge levels improved across all assessed domains, including understanding of the disease, risk factors, preventive measures, treatment, and follow-up care. No statistically significant association was observed between pre-test knowledge scores and the selected demographic characteristics. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the structured teaching programme was effective in enhancing knowledge regarding the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in the selected rural community. Implementing similar community-based educational programmes may contribute to improved diabetes awareness, early preventive practices, and better disease management, thereby supporting public health efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes in rural populations.