The Diabetes Self-Care Calendar for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Indonesia: a pilot study
Background Diabetes self-care reminders are widely applied to improve self-care among diabetes patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of self-care reminders for diabetes patients who live in rural areas of developing countries with limited resources. Aims The study evaluated the feasibility of the Diabetes Self-Care Calendar as a reminder tool for self-care. Methods The study was conducted in a community health centre in Pekalongan Regency, Indonesia. The Diabetes Self-Care Calendar was developed as a reminder tool following the American Association of Diabetes Educator self-care guidelines. The feasibility of the calendar was evaluated using the quality assessment questionnaire that assessed accessibility, acceptability, effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness. The participants’ qualitative feedback was organised into themes. Results A total of 10 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in the study. The quality of the calendar was evaluated in terms of accessibility (m = 9.5; range = 0 – 10), acceptability (m = 9.7; range = 0 – 10), effectiveness (m = 9.3; range = 0 – 10), efficiency (m = 9; range = 0 – 10) and appropriateness (m = 9; range = 0 – 10). The feasibility of the calendar was m = 9.3 (range = 9 to 9.7). Three themes emerged based on the participants' qualitative feedback included family involvement, calendar portability and calendar design. Conclusions The findings suggest the Diabetes Self-Care Calendar is feasible as a reminder tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who live in rural areas.