ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of educational program based on the BASNEF [Belief, Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Enabling Factors] Model on eye care among patients with insulin independent diabetes mellitus in Shiraz City, Fars Province, Iran. We enrolled 100 patients with non-insulin independent diabetes mellitus [Type II] fulfilling the inclusion criteria of this experimental study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, one experimental, and one control group. All groups completed the questionnaires based on the BASNEF Model, a checklist related to patient's practice including patients' HbA1c and FBS levels, the pre-test results of an ophthalmologist's eyes examination and the results of three months follow-up. The experimental group participated in eight educational sessions during the interventional. The data analysis used including chi square-test, t-test, and ANOVA. The knowledge and all BASNEF Model components were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group after intervention. In addition, behavioral eye care, such as physical activities, regular taking medicine, having eye examination, FBS checking, having appropriate diet, HbA1c level, and fasting blood sugar levels improved significantly among the experimental group compared to the control group. Applying the BASNEF Model is very effective for developing an educational program for diabetic patients, in order to control their blood sugar and enhancing behavioral eye care. Besides such programs, follow up education on controlling and monitoring is highly recommended