Prevention Management of Diabetes in Qatar: Role of Qatar Diabetes Association - Outline Example

1.0 Introduction 1 Problem ment This study investigates the effectiveness of the Qatar Diabetes Association and the Department of Health in the management of diabetes in Qatar. 1.2 Background to the problem Diabetes has become a growing problem globally (Skelly at al 2009). It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide (IDF 2011). Data form the International Diabetes Federation for 2010 indicates that the highest rate of diabetes prevalence worldwide is found in the Middle East (IDF 2010). Qatar ranks number 6 out of 223 countries with 15.4% of its population suffering from diabetes (IDF 2009; The Peninsula 2010). IDF (2011) indicates that new figures suggest that the number of persons living with diabetes is expected to increase from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by the year 2030 if urgent action is not taken. This translates into three new cases every second and an increase of ten million per annum. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (2008) whenever too much glucose remains in the blood for a long time, diabetes could result. A high level of glucose can cause damage to areas of the body including: the heart, blood vessels; eyes; and kidneys. Heart attacks and strokes are the result of heart and blood vessel disease. WHO (2006) indicates that more than 75% of patients who have had diabetes mellitus for a period in excess of 20 years will have some form of retinopathy. WHO (2006) indicates that diabetes retinopathy is a microvascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This condition is one of the leading causes of ‘new-onset blindness’ in some industrialised countries and has become an increasingly frequent cause of blindness in other countries. NIDDK (2008) indicates that combining smoking and diabetes can be very dangerous as smoking increases the risk for problems relating to diabetes. In addition to the health problems noted uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney failure; tooth and gum disease; complications during pregnancy; and toe, foot or leg infections which may require amputation (Carlson 2009). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. The main goal of diabetes prevention and management is to control the level of blood glucose in the diet. There is also a need for effective interventions which relate to the needs of different groups of people (Skelly et al 2009). This requires the will of the government through the resources it budgets for health and specifically diabetes care, prevention and management, the work of the clinicians in motivating patients and the work of the Qatar Diabetes Association. 1.3 Aim of Dissertation The aim of this research is to determine the level of growth of diabetes and its associated diseases over the last ten years and to determine the role of Qatar’s Diabetes Association in the prevention and management of diabetes in Qatar. The research also seeks to make recommendations on how the Qatar Diabetes Association can reduce the levels of diabetes in that country. 1.4 Objectives of Dissertation The aim of the dissertation will be met by collecting information on the diabetes prevention and management programmes that have been initiated in Qatar by the Qatar Diabetes Association. The level of growth of diabetes in the population of Qatar over the period 2001 to 2010 will be analysed using quantitative information. The work of clinicians in helping diabetics to manage their situation through self care will also be reviewed. Strategies that have been used successfully in other countries to prevent and manage diabetes will also be a focus of this study. The level of government expenditure on diabetes prevention and management will also be of importance. 2.0 Literature Review (2000 words) Literature review will consider literature relating to the prevalence of diabetes worldwide and specifically Qatar. Prevention and management strategies used in other countries will also be considered. 3.0 Methodology Methodology refers to the procedure used to answer the research questions (Taylor and Bogdan 1998, p. 3). The methodology is also influenced by the theoretical perspective which is followed. The positivist approach will be adopted in this research along with a mixed approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be used. Kumar (2011) suggests that a researcher should not lock into becoming solely a quantitative or qualitative researcher as both types of research methodology complement each other. These two approaches are differentiated by the strategies used to collect information – collecting quantitative data from primary or secondary sources versus observing or taking part in a situation in order to collect qualitative data (Creswell 2009, p. 3). The qualitative approach will seek to gather qualitative information on the quality of the programmes that the Qatar Diabetes Association has put n place to prevent and manage diabetes. A quantitative methodology will be employed to determine the levels of growth over the ten year period and the level of resources utilised in managing and preventing the growth of diabetes among the population of Qatar. Qualitative researchers use interviews, conversations, and recordings and memos to act s reminders (Denzin and Lincoln 2005, p. 3). Quantitative research also utilise interviews but they are more structured (Dawson 2002). As Kumar (2011) points out there are benefits associated with the use of mixed methodologies. However, some researchers have a problem in integrating both methodologies (Bryman 2007). This combination will provide useful information that can be used to strengthen the process of reducing the growth of diabetes in Qatar. 4.0 Data Collection (300 to 400 words) Quantitative data will be collected from health statistics available from the Qatar Diabetes Association, the Department of Health and other international organisations. Qualitative data will be collected through the formation of focus groups, individual interviews with clinicians, the leadership of the diabetes association and diabetics. Persons will be randomly selected to take part in focus group discussions as well as for interviews. Data relating to successful intervention in other countries will also be reviewed. 5.0 Results and Data Analysis (800 to 1000 words) Quantitative data relating to the growth of diabetes and the level of expenditure will be analysed using tables, graphs and charts. Qualitative information will be analysed under appropriate themes. Steps will be taken to ensure that information is not only clear and concise but properly summarised and synthesized. 6.0 Conclusion and Recommendation (300 to 400 words) The conclusion will be based on the results obtained after analysing the data. Recommendations will be made to the relevant authorities on how prevention and management initiatives can be improved. References Carlson, B. (2009). Diabetes. [Online] Available at: http://www.handsonhealth-sc.org/page.php?id=1151. [Accessed 13th March 2012] Bryman, A. (2007). Barriers to Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research. 1(1), p. 8-22 Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications Dawson, C. (2002). Practical Research Methods: A user friendly guide to mastering research. Oxford: How to Books Ltd. Denzin, N.K and Lincoln, Y. (2005). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications International Diabetes Federation (2011). IDF Diabetes Atlas. 5th ed.[Online] Available from: http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas. [Accessed 13 March 2012]. Kumar, R. (2011). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications NIDDK. (2008). Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your diabetes under control. [Online] Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_control/control.pdf. [Accessed 13th March 2012] Skelly, A.H., Leeman, J., Carlson, J., Soward, A.C.M and Burns, D. (2008). Conceptual Model of Symptom-Focused Diabetes Care for African Americans. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 40(3) p. 261-267. The Peninsula (2010). Diabetes rate alarmingly high in Qatar. [Online] Available at: http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/119521-diabetes-rate-alarmingly-high-in-qatar.html [Accessed 13 March 2012] WHO. (2006). Prevention of Blindness from Diabetes Mellitus. [Online]. Available at: http://www.who.int/blindness/Prevention%20of%20Blindness%20from%20Diabetes%20Mellitus-with-cover-small.pdf. [Accessed 13th March 2012] Bibliography – Additional references that may be used de Ridder, D and Schreurs, K (2001). Developing interventions for chronically ill patients: Is coping a helpful concept? Clinical Psychology Review: p. 205-240 Glazier, R.H., Bajcar, J., Kennie, N.R and Willson, K. (2006). A systematic review of interventions to improve diabetes care in socially disadvantaged populations. Diabetes Care: 29, p. 1675-1688 Norris, S.L., Engelgau, M.M and Narayan, K.M.V. (2001). Effectiveness of self-management training in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care 24: p. 561-587 Peyrot, M (1999). Behavior change in diabetes education. Diabetes Educ: 25, p. 62-73 Rollnick, S., Mason, P and Butler, C. (1999). Health behavior change: A guide for practitioners. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Rubin, R.R., Peyrot, M and Saudek, C.D. (1989). Effect of diabetes education on self-care, metabolic control, and emotional well-being. Diabetes Care: 12, p.673-679 The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Research Group. (2002). The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP): description of lifestyle intervention. Diabetes Care: 25, p. 2165-2171 Wagner, E.H. (1998). Chronic disease management: what will it take to improve care for chronic illness? Effective Clinical Practice: 1, p. 1- 4 Williams, G.C., Freedman, Z.R and Deci, E.L. (1998). Supporting autonomy to motivate patients with diabetes for glucose control. 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