How effective is Diabetes Education on Diabetes Patients in Qatar - Dissertation Example

? Research proposal on How effective is Diabetes Education on Diabetes Patients in Qatar Summary In Qatar, diabetes and cancer are major causes that lead to morbidity and mortality. Nearly 15% of its population has type 2 diabetes. Most importantly, there is huge possibility of increase in the cases in Qatar due to increasing sedentary lifestyle, obesity, lack of physical activities etc. It is a chronic disease that has serious health implications and acts as a catalyst for heart attacks, blindness, kidney failures and such other such fatal diseases. The symptoms are not easily discernable and therefore pose serious health hazards for the society. The study would be evaluating the effectiveness of diabetes education on diabetes patients in Hamid General Hospital, Doha. The major aim of the study is to improve effectiveness of diabetes education amongst the diabetes patients so they can independently manage their diseases. The study would use quantitative methodology and deductive epistemology to enhance efficacy of the research outcome. The research would be carried out on the current and past diabetes patients of Hamid General Hospital. The various scientific and statistical tools like SPSS would be used fro analysis of data. The research would take around five months with total anticipated cost of ?41261. The results of the study would be made available to the libraries, universities and community health centres for public accessibility. 2. Introduction In the contemporary environment of changing lifestyle, effective healthcare deliverables have become hugely critical component of healthy society and lifelong fitness. Health and environment issues have emerged as vital public concern. The alarming rise of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity etc. necessitate in depth research for evolving effective mechanisms of control and prevention to arrest this rapidly growing tendency amongst the population. Indeed, the unprecedented increase of diabetes cases has made it imperative to address the issue at the earliest to promote better health and welfare of the society at large. In Qatar, diabetes and cancer are major causes that lead to morbidity and mortality (WHO, 2009). The study would therefore be focusing on the effectiveness of Diabetes education on the diabetic patients in Qatar. 2.1 Brief description of the problem Qatar is a small oil rich, Arab country in the Middle East. The oil and gas extraction have contributed to the wealth of the country that has made it one of the richest nations of the world. Abulbari et al (2009) assert diabetes type 2 has become a leading health burden in Qatar that has steadily been rising amongst the adult population. Most importantly, there is huge possibility of increase in the cases in Qatar due to increasing sedentary lifestyle, obesity, lack of physical activities etc. (Bener et al, 2009). Another report informs that there is low awareness about the disease in Qatar and scarce knowledge as how to manage it (diabetes.co.uk, 2009). Sharon and Idolia (1992) define Diabetes type 2 or Diabetes Mellitus as the inability of body to produce insulin, a hormone that facilitates in converting food into glucose for energy required for body metabolism. It is a chronic disease that leads to impairment and death. WHO action plan (2006-2011) reports that 76% of deaths in Qatar are due chronic diseases. It has 15-20% prevalence rate (MENAFN, 2011).Diabetes has wide ramifications on the health and often leads to fatal diseases like heart attack, kidney failure, strokes, blindness, nervous disorders etc. It is a silent disease whose symptoms are not easily discernible in early stage which makes it more dangerous. Hence, the problem is genuine and needs to be addressed from the perspectives of educating people. Knowledge about preventive measures and precautions needed to avert further health complications could serves as critical tools of improving lifestyle. 2.2 Research hypothesis It is believed that holistic healthcare is very important element that significantly raises awareness regarding healthcare deliverables. The education and dissemination of information vis-a-vis lifestyle and chronic diseases, empowers masses and the patients so that they are better equipped to meet the challenges of the diseases. In recent times, Qatar has witnessed burgeoning cases of type 2 diabetes which has become a major concern. It is assumed that the diabetes education on the patients would help in controlling not only the diabetes but also help prevent heart related diseases, kidney problems, blindness etc. It is thus help control the rapid increase of the diabetes of type 2 amongst the masses in Qatar. 2.3 Research question 1. How effective is Diabetes education on Diabetes patients in Qatar? 3. Aim and objectives 3.1 Major aim The major aim of the study would be to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes education on the diabetes patients in Qatar. The study would fill in the gaps in the diabetes research as previous studies have lacked in identifying variables in diabetes education that make it more effective. 3.2 Secondary objectives The study would strive to understand the various imperatives of diabetes education that empower Diabetes patients. It would identify and evaluate the various mechanisms that are employed to impart education and study their efficacy in empowering the patients with necessary knowledge. It would help establish relationship between the diabetes education and type 2 Diabetes and help promote awareness of the factors responsible for the cause and consequences of diabetes. 4. Proposed methodology 4.1 Study region Hamid General Hospital, Doha would be the main hospital where impact of diabetes education on diabetes patients would be studied. The hospital is chosen because it already promotes diabetes education amongst its diabetes patients. It would therefore help to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes education. 4.2 study design The various approaches to research facilitate in reaching to a conclusion within the predefined parameters of the given research question or aim. The research methodology would be mainly quantitative in nature but encompass elements of qualitative approach also so that better and more accurate conclusions could be achieved. Quantitative research is primarily based on statistical data which serves as very important tool for evaluating various imperatives of diabetes education that influence a set of defined parameters or vice versa. The research methodology would therefore help to develop linkages with various variables and help make generalizations. Indeed, in evolving social values and the factors that affect the decision making processes amongst he patients, the methodology would help enable diabetes education to become more effective. It is significant for my research topic as the use of numbers and statistics would facilitate better evaluation and identification of factors that contribute towards effectiveness of diabetes education. The statistical data is solid evidence and therefore, would lend more credibility to the generalizations. The research epistemology would be descriptive and would describe the various elements of inter-related factors within the diabetes education to empower diabetes patients with knowledge. 4.3 Sampling Stratified random sampling of diabetes patients would be used. The database of patients from the department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism would be accessed as part of study plan. Stratified random sampling is highly recommended for sample selection when the population is known to differ in their parameters vis-a-vis socio-economic status, genetic dynamics, cultural beliefs, gender etc. (Cavana, Delahaye & Sekaran, 2011). Randon sampling would ensure gender equity for more accurate prediction of outcome. The sample size would be 25 respondents taken randomly from the department register spanning last five years from the starting date of the study. 4.4 Data collection methods The primary data collection tool would be structured questionnaires where the participants or patients would record their data and opinion in the desired format. Survey questions will be developed based on case studies and literatures on diabetes knowledge, attributes, trust and dependency. The data would be collected through direct interaction with the patients who reside within Doha city. The population at large is still not well versed with technology and therefore survey through email cannot be carried out in Qatar. Secondary information sources such as libraries, commercial bibliographic databases for peer review, internet resources and e journals would be used for literature review. The validity of data is very important aspect of sampling and describes the ability of a research instrument to measure what should be measured. The key imperatives of the researcher is the deeper understanding of the reasons that are impacting the behavioural pattern. The quantitative data reveals the trends that help to explore the new dimensions for effective solution. Efforts would be made to ensure that that the questions are representative of all tested areas. This would be mainly done by making sure that the sample taken through the survey is sufficient random sampling to represent the majority. Zikmund (2003) asserts that for best results, both reliability and validity become vital to research’s authenticity. 4.5 Analytical methods and planned analysis Comprehensive data analysis would be undertaken and various scientific tools like SPSS would be used to analyze the data. Efforts would be made to use different techniques for interpreting the data in the wider context to understand of the impact of diabetes education on diabetes patients. The main objective would be to find the extent to which patients feel empowered and motivated to manage their diabetes. Awareness and knowledge is integral to efficient management of the disease. Hair et al (1998) assert that statistical efficiency hugely facilitates in the assessment of relationships and helps interpret the data with more clarity. It is expected that scientific methods of analysis would yield authentic results. They would also give proper evidence in terms of the quality of diabetes education rendered and its impact on the patients. Indeed, appropriate efforts would be made to ensure that the analysis of data give a clear picture of the wider ramifications of the diabetes education and the extent of its effectiveness. 5. Potential risks The potential risks factor in the current research would be the patriarchal society that might not encourage women diabetes patients to interact with the researchers or field workers. The genetic paradigm of the disease is very important aspect of developing appropriate literature for diabetes education. The lack of awareness regarding diabetes is also potential risk that could adversely impact the accuracy of the research outcome. Hence, especial efforts would be made to address this problem and trust building with respondents and their family would be encouraged within the field workers so that they are able to retrieve confidential information of family history of chronic diseases and the symptoms which could indicate the existence of diabetes in the family genetics. 6. Ethical issues The contemporary society is defined by its changing dynamics of pluralistic society comprising of people from different race, colour, culture and nationality (Marshall, 2003). The participants must reflect the diversity and the researchers must exhibit understanding of cross cultural values. Ethical considerations are intrinsic part of research and must ensure the trust and confidentiality of the respondents. Qatar is witnessing dramatic increase in diabetes patients. Thus the research is vital for evaluating and identifying factors that can address is growing prevalence amongst the population. The need to endorse the right to privacy of the participants and encourage confidentiality and trust building is critical to gain information which is accurate. Hence, it is essential that the researcher does not transgress his ethical boundary to commit any serious offence that might lead to criminal proceedings. Trust and confidence are the foundation of an authentic research that enable it to stand the test of time. Dean (1954) strongly believes that field contact or respondents want to be reassured that researcher can be trusted before he/she can divulge critical information. Thus, the informed consent of the people involved in the research becomes key ethical that need to be included within the research criteria. 7. Personnel and material requirements The research would one field worker and researcher. Stationery, computer and accessories like printer, scanner would be essential material requirement required during the span of research. Use of photocopier would also be required once the field work is completed and written work started. 8. Plan for dissemination of results to relevant groups Public health and general well being of the society is intrinsic to the development of nation. Diabetes has emerged as major threat to the health of the people of Qatar. It is expected that the findings of the research would greatly help to improve and improvise the overall health of the masses. McKenzie, Nigel and Thackeray (2009), emphasizes the importance of health education which helps to in educate people about health. Thus the effectiveness of diabetes education becomes vital ingredient in enabling people to manage their diabetes. In fact, the knowledge would also serves as mechanism to prevent diabetes or atleast delay the onset of diabetes in individuals who are most vulnerable like obese people or those who are liable to inherit it genetically. The results of the study would be made available to the libraries and universities for public accessibility. The result of the study would also be made available to the community health centres so that awareness could be created about diabetes through mechanisms suggested by the study. 9. Timetable for research The timetable for the research would be from July 2012 until November 2012, as illustrated by the Gantt chart below. 10. Budget The anticipated research expenditure details are as under: Serial No. Expenditure head Quantity Cost/ Salary (?) Months Total cost (?) Personnel: 1. Field worker 1 600/- 1 600.00 2. Researcher 1 1200/- 5 6000.00 Equipments: 3. Computer and accessories 5000/- 5000.00 Material and supplies 4. Stationery 1500/- 1500.00 5. Printing 1000/- 1000.00 Travel: 6. Travel, food and lodging to Qatar 20,000/- 20000.00 Total cost 34100.00 Other expenses: 7. Contingency @10% 3410.00 8. Inflation @10% 3751.00 Net research amount 41261.00 Reference Abdulbari, B. Mahmoud, Z. Ibrahim, J. Abdulla, A. Manal, M. Nick, W. (2009). Prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and its risk factors in a population based study of Qatar. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 8(4), 99?106. Bener A, Al-Ansari AA, Zirie M, Al-Hamaq AO. (2009). Is male fertility associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus? Int Urol Nephrol, 41,777–784. Cavana, RY, Delahaye, BL & Sekaran, U. (2001). Applied business research: Qualitative and quantitative method. Queensland: John wiley & Sons. Dean, J. P.(1954) ‘Participant observation and interviewing’ in Doby, J., Suchman, E.A., McKinnet, J.C., Francis, R.G. and Dean,, J.P. (eds) An introduction to Social Research. Harrisburg. Pa., The Stackpole Co., 225-252. Hair, J F., Anderson, R.E., Tatham, R. L & Black, W. C. (1998) Multivariate Data Analysis, 5 ed. New Jersey:Prentice Hall. Marshall PA. (2003). Human subjects protections, institutional review boards, and cultural anthropological research. Anthropol Q, 76(2):269-85. McKenzie, J., Neiger, B., Thackeray, R. (2009). Health Education and Health Promotion: Planning, Implementing, & Evaluating Health Promotion Programs. 5th ed. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Education, Inc. MENAFN. (November 26, 2011). Qatar: Coming together for diabetes awareness. Available: http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093459064 sharon Mantik Lewis, Idolia Cox Collier. (1992). Text book of Medical- Surgical Nursing, 3rd ed. NY: Mosby publication. WHO, Regional Health Systems Observatory. (2009). Available: http://gis.emro.who.int/HealthSystemObservatory/PDF/Qatar/Health%20system%2 0organization.pdf World Health Organization Action Plan (2006?2011). Available: http://www.who.int/countries/qat/en/ Zikmund, W. (2003) Essentials of Marketing Research, USA: Thompson South-Western Diabetes awareness is poor in Qatar. (August 16, 2009) Available: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2009/Aug/diabetes-awareness-poor-in-qatar.html Read More