Abstract

EVALUATION OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION METHOD FOR IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE OF DIABETIC PATIENTS IN A DISTRICT IN KERALA

Anoop K. R.* and Kiron S. S.

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is among the most widespread disorders worldwide and the case is not much different in Indian scenario. It is defined as a problem arising due to improper functioning of pancreas which obstructs the normal production and functions of insulin. On thorough review it is understood that diabetes also requires proper management along with medicines. The study was planned as a community based study and the rural population of a district in the central Kerala, Thrissur was fixed as the study site. Among the two groups, the study group participants were intervened by practicing pharmacists while the control group was not subjected to professional intervention. The tools used for intervention were MDQOL and KAP questionnaires. The questionnaire surveys were done in the beginning and repeated two times in 6 month intervals, whereas KAP questionnaire was introduced only in the beginning and then after one year. After the survey the data were tabulated and scores were awarded. As per the analysis, there was a good distribution among patients based on the age, gender and other demographic factors. Hence the groups were almost similar. The diagnostic values like FBS, PPBS and HbA1c showed improved results after the intervention in intervention group than with the control group. On interpretation of the KAP questionnaire it was evident that the knowledge, attitude and practice level of patient increased considerably in the study group than in the control group. This point outs the importance of counseling and patient education by professional qualified person like pharmacist in improving the environment for management of diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes, Quality of life, KAP, MDQoL.