Development of a Lifestyle Modification Model for Diabetes Prevention among Population at Risk in Health Region 7 Ministry of Public Health

Abstract

This research was a research and development (R&D) study aimed at developing a lifestyle modification model to prevent diabetes among at-risk populations. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved diagnosing the current situation and identifying problems related to lifestyle behaviors among at-risk individuals. Quantitative data were collected from 380 participants using questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 20 individuals, including at-risk persons and stakeholders. The results showed that overall lifestyle behavior was at a moderate level (X̅ = 2.56, SD = 0.42). In Phase 2, a preliminary model was developed based on the data from Phase 1, in collaboration with five key stakeholders. The prototype model was tested with six groups of at-risk individuals (5 participants per group). After the initial testing, the model was revised and improved based on feedback and results to achieve the desired outcomes. The final model was then prepared for implementation in the next phase. Phase 3 focused on the implementation and evaluation of the developed model. A 4-week trial was conducted with an experimental group and a comparison group, each consisting of 30 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The results indicated that the experimental group showed significant improvements in lifestyle behaviors related to diabetes prevention compared to the comparison group (p < 0.05). Additionally, qualitative findings revealed positive changes in health awareness, motivation, and behavioral adherence. In conclusion, the developed lifestyle modification model proved to be effective and practical for diabetes prevention among at-risk populations and could be applied in community health settings.