This study aimed to assess, design and implement a health promotional program for diabetic elderly people and their caregivers and to evaluate the degree of improvement in the impact of this program on diabetic elderly and their care givers' knowledge, attitude and practice at their own homes. It was conducted in the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of Benha University Hospital, the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of Toukh Hospital, and the elders’ homes in Kalyobia Governorate. A convenience sample of 100 elderly diabetics and their caregivers were included. Three tools were used for data collection: (1) an interviewing questionnaire to assess knowledge; (2) an attitude interviewing questionnaire to assess attitude; and (3) an observational checklist to assess practice of the diabetic elderly and their caregivers. The findings of the study showed that knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic elderly and their caregivers improved after application of health promotion program. The study recommended that all diabetic elderly and their caregivers must receive proper health education about diabetes mellitus at outpatient setting during their follow up visits or during home visits. Mass media should play a significant role to disseminate the needed information about health of the elderly and the diabetes mellitus. |
