“With a Guide I have Control”: Rural Filipinos’ Perceptions of a Diabetes Learning Module on Regimen Adherence

Abstract

Background and Objective. The challenges faced by patients with diabetes in rural Philippine communities highlight the need to look into how we can improve ways of communicating health education and self-management strategies. Patient education materials play a vital role in promoting regimen adherence, yet their acceptability and effectiveness in resource-limited settings remain insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore participants’ experiences with and perceptions of a community-based diabetes learning module through qualitative inquiry.

Methods. Using purposive sampling, 13 participants who successfully completed the Blood Sugar Bantayan, Diabetes Malikayan pilot health program from January to July 2022 in a rural community in southern Philippines consented to engage in in-depth interviews. A semi-structured topic guide was developed, validated by experts, and pretested. Interviews were conducted in the local language, audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic approach.

Results. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: initial perceptions of the module, aspects of the module found useful, perceived impact on regimen adherence, hindrances to adherence, and overall feedback with likelihood of recommendation. Participants valued the module’s visual appeal, use of local language, and comprehensive coverage of diabetes management. The module served as a guide that enabled participants to gain better control over their condition through improved self-discipline and health practices, often motivated by family support. However, challenges including time constraints, resource limitations, and competing priorities affected consistent implementation of recommended practices. Despite these barriers, participants expressed strong satisfaction with the module and willingness to share it with others, though sharing decisions were often based on perceived relevance to others’ health status.

Conclusion. Community-based learning modules can serve as valuable educational tools for diabetes care in rural Filipino communities. Findings underpin the importance of developing culturally appropriate and responsive campaigns for diabetes education in remote environments, but multi-modal strategies that cut across sectors are still imperative to address persisting structural factors that pervade health program efforts.