abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in India, particularly in rural areas where limited access to health information contributes to poor disease control and increased complications. Adequate knowledge and appropriate dietary practices are essential for effective diabetes management. Planned Teaching Programmes (PTPs) delivered by nurses can play a vital role in empowering diabetic clients to adopt healthy self-care behaviors.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Programme on knowledge of diabetes and its management and the practice pattern of diabetic diet among diabetic clients residing in selected rural villages of Hassan district, Karnataka. It also sought to determine the association between pre-test knowledge and selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test research design was adopted. Sixty diabetic clients were selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a practice scale on diabetic diet. The Planned Teaching Programme was administered, followed by a post-test after seven days. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired ‘t’ test and chi-square test, were used for data analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that the overall mean pre-test knowledge score was 10.15 (33.83%), which significantly increased to 28.62 (95.4%) in the post-test. The difference between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores was highly significant (t = 49.792, p<0.001). Post-test results showed that none of the participants had inadequate knowledge. Significant association was found between pre-test knowledge and selected variables such as age and family income.

Conclusion: The Planned Teaching Programme was highly effective in improving knowledge and promoting better dietary practices among rural diabetic clients. Nurse-led educational interventions are crucial in preventing complications and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with diabetes.