Research Design Literature for Study of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia (Research Paper Sample)

Research Design Literature
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Research Design Literature
Overview of Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Diabetes has become a major metabolic disorder affecting the majority of the countries in the world. The disease is characterized by hyperglycemia and ineffective function of insulin in the body. The disease is chronic and has no cure but with proper treatment and management, diabetics can lead a normal life. Saudi Arabia is one of the republics in the world with the highest number of diabetics. Studies show that by 2010, about 16.8 % of the population was made up of diabetics (Al Khudairy et al., 2012). This is alarming compared to 10% in the United States, 7.8% in India and 4.2 % in China. In the Saudi Arabia Kingdom, diabetes contributes to 5.16% to the death causes (Alhowaish, 2013). This is about 4,151 deaths that were reported last year. The kingdom has utilized a lot of money in the management of the disease with reports indicating an overwhelming SAR 30 billion per year in treating diabetes (Alhowaish, 2013). Indeed, 98% of the medical expenditure in the country is used in the management of diabetes. The trend indicates the need for improved education for education programs of adults of Type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia.
In a randomized control trial to study the effects of an education program on low-intensive lifestyle, a study established that the patients were able to reduce the waist circumference as well relevant weight loss (Heideman et al., 2014). The diabetes prevention education programs showed a decrease of 4.33cm on the waist circumference and a decrease of systolic blood pressure by 8.77mmHg.Also, a systematic literature review in Saudi Arabia to determine the efficiency of self-management training on adults of type 2 diabetes was carried out (Alhaiti et al., 2015). The results showed that educational programs had the capacity to promote self-care management among the adults of type 2 diabetes.
The multidimensional nature type 2 diabetes was also shown to be impacted by diabetes education. This was through a study on the influence of type 2 diabetes education among other factors in reducing the glycemic control in patients (Yin et al., 2015). The results showed that there was an association between the lack of education and persistent poor glycemic control in type 2 adult patients. Individualized education programs on adults of type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan showed that the diabetic patients could be educated on the best way to lose weight in a safer way (McEwen et al., 2015). The study that involved 515 participants showed that it was possible to reduce the hypoglycemic events in Ramadan with the provision of the right education.
A pilot study on the outcomes of an educational program of type 2 diabetes on cultural contexts of Saudi Arabian women showed an improvement in their lifestyle and health behaviors (Al-bannay et al., 2015). The study targeted the Saudi Arabian women due to the higher prevalence of obesity as compared to men. The pilot study tied the education programs to the cultures and religion of the targeted groups (Al-Bannay et al., 2015). The educational programs were based on groups support groups as well as participatory discussions on issues in diabetes. Similarly, a study in Saudi Arabia on the impact of online health information of type 2 diabetes on self-care activities indicated that the media played a role in educating the patients (Jamal et al., 2015). The cross-sectional study showed that the patients who sought health-related on online platforms had a higher chance of maintaining their health (Jamal et al., 2015).
Education programs have also been shown to decrease the anxiety and depression among type 2 adult patients as well as increased adherence to medication and self-care. A prospective study piloted among 104 patients at a hospice in Saudi Arabia showed better outcomes in adults of type 2 diabetes patients (Al Hayek et al., 2013). The results indicated that the education programs led to improved dietary plans and adherence to drugs among the patients. The educational materials used were also designed to include the local language that could be easily understood by the patients. The significant improvement of the patients under the education program showed its efficacy among patients (Al Hayek et al., 2013). In another randomized controlled trial, it was evident that the combination of self-management education and mindful eating habits resulted in managing type 2 diabetes (Miller et al., 2014). The study showed significant improvement in outcome expectations and nutrition among the diabetic patients.
The evidence provided through the literature in Saudi Arabia show the efficacy of education programs in influencing type 2 diabetes among the patients. The use of several designs in the literature has showed the influence of different combinations of the educational programs that make the influence significant. Indeed, a combination of different education programs including awareness campaigns, availability of pamphlets, journals, media prompts as well as online information has proved to be effective in managing diabetes. The use of other interventions in the management of diabetes has proven to have reduced effectiveness in lowering the risk factors of type 2 diabetes. There is, therefore, need for novel research designs and best educational programs to apply in Saudi Arabia in assuring improvement in the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
References
Al Hayek, A. A., Robert, A. A., Al Dawish, M. A., Zamzami, M. M., Sam, A. E., & Alzaid, A. A. (2013). The impact of an education program on patient anxiety, depression, glycemic control, and adherence to self-care and medication in Type 2 diabetes. Journal of Family and Community Medicine, 20(2), 77.
Al Khudairy, L., Rees, K., Kumar, S., Al-Da...