Teabpaluck Sirithanawutichai2011-02-212011-02-212011-01-242011-01-24Journal of Science and Technology Mahasarakham University - วารสารวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี มหาวิทยาลัยมหาสารคาม; Volume.29 Numer.4 october-december 2010; 439-445http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/131203The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of village health volunteers in Muang district Mahasarakham province making visits to the homes of diabetes mellitus patients. Participatory action research was used. The subjects were 45 diabetes mellitus patients and 15 village health volunteers. The tools used for the research consisted of forms for testing diabetic knowledge, questionnaires about the self care behavior of diabetes mellitus patients, and the log book of the village health volunteers. The procedures of the research were: 1) selecting village health volunteers for set training 2) selecting diabetes mellitus patients and pretesting their knowledge and selfcare behavior 3) home visits by village health volunteers every 2 weeks for 3 months 4) posttest about knowledge and selfcare behavior after the home visit program, and then compare pretest and posttest results 5) compare fasting blood sugar before and during the program 6) interviews and recommendations from village health volunteers and diabetes mellitus patients about the activities they thought were the most useful and the most troublesome. The findings of the research were as follows: average scores of knowledge about diabetes mellitus of village health volunteers after attending the class had increased significant statistically (p-value=0.005). Average scores of knowledge about diabetes mellitus and self-care behavior in diabetes mellitus patients increased. Average scores of knowledge about diabetes increased significantly statistically (p-value=0.000). Average scores of self care behavior of diabetes mellitus patients after attending the program had increased but not significantly statistically (p value=0.035).Average of fasting from blood sugar during the program(166.04 mg/dl) decreased compared with before the program (198.04 mg/dl). Improved self-care behavior and decreased fasting of blood sugar may decrease complications from diabetes mellitus. Interviews with village health volunteers and diabetes mellitus patients show that both are satisfied with this program and suggested it be continued and expanded.en-USDivision of Research Supporting and Extension, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, ThailandResearch Articles