Assessment of knowledge and skills of barangay health workers: Basis for diabetes education program for lay persons

ABSTRACT

@#This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and skills of the barangay health workers (BHW) about diabetes management. A descriptive correlational design that included 121 BHWs in Bustos, Bulacan was utilized in the study. A test and skill demonstration checklist was utilized to determine the knowledge and skills of BHWs about diabetes management. Categorical variables such as the respondents' profile were described using frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables such as level of knowledge and skills were summarized using central tendency measures (mean) with standard deviation. Pearson correlation test for association was used to test for relationship between level of knowledge and skills. Pearson Chi square was used to test association between demographic variables and level of knowledge and skills. Ap value of <0.05 was considered significant in the analysis of the results. Results showed that the overall level of knowledge of the BHWs was satisfactory but varied in many aspects of diabetes management. The BHWs level of knowledge in determining signs and symptoms and diagnosis of diabetes was high but low in determining types of diabetes mellitus. The level of skills of the BHWs was high in blood pressure measurement but low in blood glucose monitoring. BHWs have varied knowledge and skills in diabetes care management. There is a need to train the BHWs further to develop their knowledge and skills. The nurse diabetes educators must provide diabetes education program for BHWs that are focused on competencies to deliver safe and appropriate health teaching activities utilizing the basic concepts and principles of diabetes management