Effects of a health education programme on risk factors for diabetes mellitus: A case in Zambezi region,

Abstract

Background. This article forms part of a study that developed, implemented and evaluated a health education programme in Zambezi region, Namibia. It has been confirmed that educational intervention raises awareness about diabetes in countries such as Cameroon. No formal health education programme on diabetes has been validated in its effectiveness specifically for Zambezi region in terms of improving knowledge in communities to counter the risk of diabetes. 

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a health education programme in improving knowledge regarding risk factors of diabetes in Zambezi region. 

Methods. The study had a quasi-experimental non-equivalent design, where pre-test and post-test control groups were used. Two groups, namely the control and the experimental group, were selected using purposive sampling. A paired-samples t-test was used to evaluate the differences in the scores by comparing the results within groups pre and post intervention. 

Results. Each group comprised 22 participants. The control group was selected from Sibbinda, while the experimental group was selected from Katima Urban. The validation of the effectiveness of a health education programme revealed a change in the level of knowledge regarding various aspects of diabetes. There was a significant difference in score pre and post intervention in the experimental group at t (21)=4.294, p=0.000. 

Conclusion. This study showed positive effectiveness of a health education programme in improving knowledge regarding risk factors for diabetes in Zambezi region.