Expectations of diabetes patients within the scope of education in the light of nationwide research

Introduction. Education plays a significant role in the prophylaxis of social diseases and is an integral part of patient care.

Aim of the study. The paper presents the expectations of diabetes patients within the scope of education.

Material and methods. For the purpose of this work, research was carried out on 1,986 patients with diabetes and 1366 families from
61 randomly chosen national primary health service units. Research materials were obtained from the patients aged above 16 years old, living
in the area of work of a social and family nurse and are registered on the list of the local GP. The research was conducted on the basis of: guided
nurse interviews, relative assessment of fitness and independence of the patients, anonymous questionnaire which allows to obtain patients’
opinions, anonymous questionnaire conducted among families and analysis of the medical documentation.

Results. The results of the conducted research show that more than half diabetes patients expect education (59.4%). Persons suffering from
diabetes vary in their openness to health education.

Conclusions.

1. Being aware of the factors which contribute to varying expectations within the scope of education among diabetes patients makes it
possible to optimize health care, quality indicators for diabetes treatment and increased satisfaction of patients and their families with
the effects of diabetes treatment and care.

2. Patients’ satisfaction with their participation in family, married and professional lives makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of
health education carried out among this group of patients.

Nursing Topics 2010; 18 (3): 249-259