Short communications
Development of pictograms for patients with diabetes at a teaching hospital in northern Sri Lanka – A pilot study
Authors:
S. Thuvaragan ,
University of Jaffna, Jaffna, LK
About S.
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
J. Rakshana,
University of Jaffna, Jaffna, LK
About J.
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
R. Surenthirakumaran
University of Jaffna, Jaffna, LK
About R.
Faculty of Medicine
Abstract
Purpose: Diabetes is a noncommunicable disease with a rapid increase of prevalence in low- and middle-income countries during the last decade. Pictograms can be utilized to convey information regarding the management of diabetes. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate the comprehension level of pictograms regarding lifestyle modifications and medication use in diabetes.
Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted through two phases which included the Delphi technique and a pilot study. Systematic sampling was used to select the 288 participants. Nineteen pictograms were developed and they were evaluated for their comprehension level by diabetic patients attending a teaching hospital in northern Sri Lanka. The criterion for acceptance of a pictogram was at least 85% of participants correctly interpreting the pictogram. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used to analyse data and descriptive statistics were used to present the data.
Results: Out of 19, 18 pictograms were correctly interpreted (more than 85%) by diabetic patients. A pictogram representing the prevention of hypoglycaemic attacks was not interpreted by most patients.
Conclusion: The developed pictograms could be used effectively to convey information regarding lifestyle modifications and medication usage to patients with diabetes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the comprehension level of the developed pictograms among diabetic patients in other parts of Sri Lanka.
How to Cite:
Thuvaragan, S., Rakshana, J. and Surenthirakumaran, R., 2022. Development of pictograms for patients with diabetes at a teaching hospital in northern Sri Lanka – A pilot study. Pharmaceutical Journal of Sri Lanka, 12(1), pp.1–8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/pjsl.v12i1.83
Published on
30 Dec 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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