Family-Centred Education and Training to Improve Quality of Life in Indonesian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Community-Based Intervention Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether a family‑centred education and training programmed improves diabetes knowledge and quality of life in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia.

Methods: A quasi‑experimental community intervention was conducted at the Kahuripan primary health centre on 15 August 2025. Forty adults with type 2 DM and their family members participated. The programme comprised interactive lectures on diabetes and quality of life, practical training in self‑monitoring of blood glucose, foot care, healthy menu planning and stress management, and provision of a culturally adapted booklet (“Family Alert to Diabetes”). Knowledge was measured using a pre‑validated questionnaire before and after the intervention, while clinical data (age, blood pressure, fasting and post‑prandial glucose) and quality‑of‑life scores were recorded. Data were analysed descriptively; Shapiro‑Wilk tests assessed normality and a Wilcoxon signed‑rank test compared pre‑ and post‑test knowledge.

Results: Participants were predominantly older adults (mean age 62.7 years). Baseline mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 143/80 mmHg and fasting blood glucose was 149 mg dL^⁻¹. Quality‑of‑life scores were low, particularly in the physical domain (mean 51.36%). Mean knowledge scores improved from 78.5 (pre‑test) to 81.8 (post‑test); however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (Wilcoxon W=186.5, p=0.055). Participants with lower baseline scores showed the greatest improvement. Families reported increased confidence in supporting dietary adherence, physical activity and foot care.

Conclusion: A short, family‑centred education and training programme enhanced diabetes knowledge and self‑care skills, although improvement was modest and not statistically significant. Longer follow‑up and integration of psychosocial support may be required to produce sustained, clinically meaningful gains in quality of life.