Published Paper Details:

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that requires effective self-care practices to prevent complications and improve quality of life. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme (STP) on knowledge and attitude regarding self-care among patients with diabetes mellitus at a selected hospital in Tumkur. The study was undertaken in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing at Aruna College of Nursing, Tumkur. The objectives of the study were: 1. To assess the level of knowledge regarding self-care among patients with diabetes mellitus. 2. To assess the attitude towards self-care among patients with diabetes mellitus. 3. To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge and attitude regarding self-care among patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised patients with diabetes mellitus aged between 35 and 64 years. A sample of 60 diabetic patients attending the outpatient department of a selected hospital in Tumkur was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and an attitude scale. The pre-test was conducted, followed by the administration of the structured teaching programme on the same day. The post-test was conducted one week after the pre-test using the same tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In the pre-test, 51 (85%) patients had inadequate knowledge and 9 (15%) had moderately adequate knowledge regarding self-care. Regarding attitude, 55 (91.7%) patients had an inadequate attitude and 5 (8.3%) had an adequate attitude towards self-care. In the post-test, 56 (93%) patients demonstrated adequate knowledge and 4 (7%) showed moderately adequate knowledge. Post-test attitude assessment revealed that 45 (75%) patients had an adequate attitude, while 15 (25%) had a moderately adequate attitude towards self-care activities. The paired t test indicated that the structured teaching programme was statistically significant in improving knowledge and attitude at the p < 0.001 level. The chi-square test showed a significant association (p < 0.05) between post-test knowledge and marital status, and between post-test attitude and family monthly income. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in both knowledge and attitude regarding self-care among patients with diabetes mellitus after the administration of the structured teaching programme. The study concludes that structured teaching programmes are effective in enhancing self-care knowledge and attitude among diabetic patients and can be used as an important educational intervention in clinical settings.