The Effectiveness of a Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Educational Package Based on Iranian and Islamic Culture on Treatment Adherence and Health in Diabetic Patients

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Health psychology, kish International Branch, Islamic Azad University, kish Island, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Kharazmi University,Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author)

3 Assistant Professor, ‏ Department of psychology,Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad ‏University, Roudehen, Iran

4 Associat Professor, Department of Psychology, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle promotion educational package based on Iranian and Islamic culture on treatment adherence and health in diabetic patients.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population included all visitors to a psychotherapy center in District 5 of Tehran. The sample consisted of 30 individuals (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included the Diabetes Treatment Adherence Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The experimental group participated in ten educational sessions covering topics such as healthy nutrition, physical activity, stress management, medical care, religious teachings, and family and social relationships.
Results:  Results from repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the educational package significantly improved treatment adherence and general health in diabetic patients. The experimental group showed substantial improvement in treatment adherence and general health scores in the post-test and follow-up phases, while the control group did not exhibit significant changes. The educational package based on Iranian and Islamic culture positively impacted treatment adherence and health in diabetic patients. These results highlight the importance of designing educational interventions that consider local culture and values (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Implementing such programs can aid in better diabetes management and reduce its complications.

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