Research-based intervention program: a student - community engagement

Abstract

Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006, prevalence of Diabetes mellitus in Malaysia was 11.6%. A general health survey conducted in Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor shown prevalence of 19%. A subsequent cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of diabetes mellitus among non diabetic residents above 18 years old in the same village. Results shown that 35% of residents have low level of awareness. This leads to the necessity for a health intervention program, conducted by UKMMC third year medical students in collaboration with the Villagers Committee of Kampung Kuantan, District Health Office Kuala Selangor, Hospital Tanjung Karang, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasangan. The one-day program focusing on health education was held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasangan on 17th of September 2011. This one day program program focused on educating the people about the Diabetes Mellitus with main objective to increase the level of awareness. Activities included health education and promotional activities, talk and demonstration on healthy diet, health check-up, poster exhibition, aerobics and games. For impact evaluation of the of program, we used the same questionnaire given to those who were previously surveyed to evaluate the changes in level of awareness. Results showed significant increase of mean score for the overall level of awareness about diabetes by 9.04 post intervention (p-0.0001). Various effective programs conducted were successful in raising the overall awareness of villagers on diabetes. The challenges faced include the short period of time for both survey and intervention program thus in either way affects the achievement. We also did not assess the attitude and practice components. The improvement in knowledge does not necessarily translate into better attitude and practice. Thus we learnt that in the future, it should be included in the assessment. We also found that the clinical booth obtained the highest attendance and was rated most effective in disseminating information by a majority of attendees. Villagers prefer a more personal approach through counselling in receiving health advice and information. Therefore, future intervention methods can be focused on clinical booths and other methods which provide personal approach. Students also play a role in building better rapport with the villagers in order to gauge their interest to attend the programme. Sustainability of this program will be monitored by all parties involved. Follow-up activities and talks can be continued by the District Health Office and another group of student form UKMMC will revisit the same village for re-assessment and determination of improvement within that one year Dost program.