Study Healthcare Providers’ Awareness Of The Diabetes Prevention Program To Determine Their Knowledge Of Physical Activity And Diet.
Open Access
- Author:
- Vieluf, Jashe
- Area of Honors:
- Health Policy and Administration
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Mark Sciegaj, Thesis Supervisor
Selena E Ortiz, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Diabetes Prevention Program
Nutritional Sciences
Physical Activity
Diabetes Prevention Awareness
Healthcare - Abstract:
- PURPOSE: Through a survey of health providers, this thesis aims to have a better understanding of the level of provider awareness about the benefits of diet and exercise in one Pennsylvania health care system (Penn State Health). This thesis analyzes possible correlations between healthcare providers awareness of the National Diabetes Prevention Program and their informing patients about the benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet. In doing so, this thesis strives to discover existing gaps in the healthcare system in the area concerning diabetes prevention. METHODS: A web-survey was administered to several healthcare providers inside Penn State Health through REDCap. The survey was sent through email to 177 providers inside the organization. Of those 177 providers, 45 were from the Internal Medicine department, and the remaining providers were from the Family Medicine department. The participants were selected based on the organization's database, and everyone received the email providing the link to the survey at the same time. RESULTS: Of the 177 providers capable of taking the survey, 28 answered the survey, (17 from the Family Medicine department and 11 from the Internal Medicine department). Overall, 53.5% admitted referring their patients to the diabetes prevention program when their patients fall under the category of a person with diabetes. Next, 28.6% reported that they were unaware of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis showed that age, gender, and profession influence providers' awareness about physical activity, diet, diabetes prevention awareness, and quality of care provided to patients diagnosed with diabetes. This study demonstrates a correlation between the DPP and discussing proper diet; however, no statistical evidence demonstrates a correlation between physical activity (exercise) and diabetes prevention strategies. In other words, a positive correlation exists between the DPP and knowledge of nutritional sciences in Pennsylvania.