Abstract:
The study aimed to evaluate the Control and Prevention of Diabetes Mellitusand Hypertension Program (CPDP) in Phayao municipality of Phayao province innorthern Thailand. The evaluation consisted of 2 parts; one on the program process, theother on the program outcome. Process evaluation emphasized on determining theefficiency of the process. In-dept interview and focus group discussions were employedamong 13 health staff and 15 Village Health Volunteers. Outcome evaluation was anassessment of knowledge and health behavior of diabetics and people who are at risk,using two different types of questionnaire. Study population was people age 40 andabove of 13 communities in Phayao municipality, a total of 5,791. Sixty subjects wereselected randomly from 424 people who turned up for diabetic screening program, theintervention group. Another 60 subjects, the comparison group, were selected from the13 communities, matching for age, gender, education, and location of residence. Bothgroups received the same health education information on dietary behavior and exercisefrom the same health educator and nurses. The study also enrolled 15 diabetics into thestudy. A community advisor provided the same information to the diabetics.Although the implementation of the program process went according to theplan, only 5.7 % of the population turned for the screening while the goal was 10%.Outcome evaluation showed no difference between levels of knowledge and behaviorbetween the intervention and the comparison groups. Both groups appeared to haveimproper knowledge on dietary behavior, however, they had proper behavior on diet.They also have proper behavior of social and emotional factors. As for the diabetics(60%), they reported not exercising regularly. They have moderate level of knowledge,the same as comparison and intervention groups.Early detection of diabetics and people at risk are important measure inpreventing disability due to the disease. It is imperative that the health authority inPhayao province pays particular attention to the CPDP in order to ensure a moresuccessful program.
