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Text-Based Reminders: Pathways To Improve Hemoglobin A1C and Fasting Blood Glucose Levels of People with T2 Diabetes Mellitus
Background
Research studies have shown that self-monitoring blood glucose levels is a cornerstone in DM management. Various studies have shown that a text message intervention effectively reminds people with T2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) to check their blood glucose levels at home. Text message reminders successfully encourage medication adherence, blood glucose self-monitoring, and lifestyle changes (Xiqian et al., 2019). Through the beneficial effects on HgbA1c and blood glucose, text-based reminders have been demonstrated to improve blood glucose self-monitoring, essential to managing diabetes.
Purpose
This project aims to evaluate the effects of the 12-week text-based reminder intervention on the patient\u27s blood sugar and HBA1C levels, and the frequency of glucose checks with text-based reminders compared to usual practice.
Methods
Standard data extraction and literature search were performed in PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design was conducted. This prospective study used a pre/posttest design from a convenience sample. Participants with a HbA1c of 7% and over and FBG of 126 mg/dL or over were monitored for 12 weeks with text-based reminders. Participants were place in experimental and control groups. The experimental group received four text messages weekly reminding them to check pre-prandial glucose levels. Control group received the standard of care which did not include any text reminders.
Results
The total sample size was 107 subjects (experimental group 54 subjects and control group 53 subjects). For the experimental group, there was a positive mean difference for the blood group and HBA1C post-intervention, which was highly significant (P-value=\u3c0.0001). The 12-week intervention improved blood glucose measurement at home with a median of 24 times (experimental group) vs six times (control), which was highly significant (P-value=\u3c0.0001).
Conclusion
The outcome of this project has shown that text-based reminders improved home blood glucose monitoring and hold promise for improving diabetes outcomes of patient with T2DM. Improved self-care with blood glucose monitoring may help to decrease diabetic complications and healthcare costs among this population
edra 55: Bibliography
edra 55: Human-Centric Environmentshttps://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/edra-bibliographies/1044/thumbnail.jp
Programa de Discipulado Sobre la Familia Nuclear Para la Iglesia Bilingue Adventista del Septimo Dia de Hanford, California, USA
Problem
The Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20) charges each believer with the duty of forming disciples among people inside and outside the church and could be applied to members within the nuclear family. The Hanford Bilingual Adventist Church (IABH) does not have a program that trains parents in making disciples within their homes. Such a program has the potential to strengthen the nuclear families of the IABH and to form disciples within other families in the community.
Methodology
This research was carried out in the field of practical theology and its main objective was to develop a discipleship program oriented towards the nuclear family. This program was designed to be presented to IABH families, by training parents as disciplers. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to address the nuclear family discipleship program. The topic under analysis was explored through semi-structured interviews. The research process included an exhaustive review of biblical and theological literature related to discipleship in the nuclear family, as well as consultation with the writings of Ellen G. White on these topics. Additionally, relevant contemporary literature was explored. A preliminary survey was conducted by the researcher, which was anonymous to maintain participant confidentiality and to gather statistical data that allowed understanding the participants\u27 level of knowledge about the essential elements of family discipleship. Based on the obtained results, which were useful in collecting substantial information from the interviewed families\u27 members, a family discipleship program for the nuclear family was designed and developed. Which included educational presentations through seminars, as well as interviews before and after them, aimed at the nuclear families of the church. All of this was implemented with the active collaboration of IABH. Finally, the effectiveness of the program was evaluated through a survey that collected the opinions of the participants for the purpose of assessing its impact on them and gathering feedback to enhance its development in future interactions.
Results
After families participated in the program, a significant increase in the understanding of the fundamental elements of discipleship in the nuclear family was immediately observed. For example, the perception of the fundamental institution that God created to bless the earth changed dramatically, going from 30% who mentioned “the church” to 90% who now identified “marriage.” Similarly, understanding of the parental unit improved by 60%, now perceiving parents as a united front, compared to 40% previously. Subsequently, around five months later, positive results were observed in several key indicators. These included the formation of six small groups led by families participating in the program, the creation of the first children\u27s baptismal class in the history of the church, the holding of the first children\u27s baptismal campaign with 4 baptisms. Out of 15% of the church is composed of youths aged 16 to 25, out of 13% of them began to get involved in missionary and fraternal activities. The return of 5 young people who had drifted away from the Church (2 of them were rebaptized) and the organization of the Youth Life Group project. In addition, an increase in marital cooperation was observed regarding the comprehensive education of children. These changes indicate a notable improvement in participants\u27 understanding of the essential elements of discipleship in the nuclear family.
Conclusion
The survey conducted of the ten participating families confirmed the high satisfaction with the program and highlighted the prevailing need at IAHB to address the issue of discipleship in the nuclear family. The practical approach of the family seminars, with an emphasis on discipleship, was very well received by attendees. This was evidenced by the open and frank participation of the participants. Additionally, the importance of supporting the nuclear families of the church with this program was highlighted, addressing their needs in the areas of spiritual growth and interpersonal relationships. The purpose was to train these families to disciple their own members and extend that to other families who joined the church community. Periodic repetition of this program was strongly recommended. Importantly, the program has significant missional potential, as it involves families in the global mission of the church and can benefit, not only the nuclear families of the church, but also families in the community at large
Strategic Restructuring for Efficiency: Proposing the Division and Partial Privatization of Ghana’s ECG on the GSE for Improved Performance and Financial Stability
Programa de Capacitacao em Evangelismo Publico para Pastores Distritais na Divisao Sul-American da Igreja Adventista do Septimo Dia
Problem
In a world facing constant changes, the School of Evangelism of South American Division emerges as another key element in preparing and inspiring district pastors to lead effective evangelism campaigns. The reality presents unique missionary challenges, and thus, the urgency to strengthen communal faith and expand public evangelism becomes more pressing. This thesis addresses the crucial importance of reformulating guidelines and updating the curriculum of the School of Evangelism to meet new spiritual and missionary demands. The aim of this thesis is to answer the following question: In what way can a training program in public evangelism help district pastors carry out more efficient evangelistic campaigns in the South American Division? This research seeks not only to strengthen the bonds with new church members but also to stimulate a greater number of public evangelism initiatives. It intends to highlight the active role of district pastors in this process of renewal and missionary engagement, emphasizing the relevance of their involvement for the vitality and growth of the religious community.
Methodology
The methodological strategy adopted for this thesis was based on the action research method, characterized by close collaboration between researchers and individuals representing the situation or problem at hand. Under this approach, the training was conceived and implemented through six distinct phases, each with a specific purpose, namely: (1) observation, (2) reflection, (3) research, (4) elaboration, (5) application, and (6) evaluation. In the initial observation phase, a thorough and detailed assessment of the current scenario was conducted. To truly understand the reality of district pastors, it was crucial to immerse deeply and extensively in the work context and experiences lived. This need was met through various data collection methods. In the subsequent reflection phase, the collected data and information were examined in detail, focusing on practices and results associated with church growth, with special emphasis on public evangelism series. The research stage marked progress towards academic construction, focusing on the development of a solid theological and theoretical foundation for public evangelism fundamentals. In the elaboration phase, the experimental development of pastors was presented as a process aimed at enhancing skills and competencies through practical knowledge and experimentation. During the application phase, curricular matrices for each module presented during the training were established, along with the definition of an appropriate model program for knowledge sharing. To conclude, the approach adopted for the evaluation in this thesis was predominantly quantitative, utilizing a variety of analyses, including univariate, multivariate, and variance techniques. Additionally, a structured form was used to quantify knowledge transfer and assess the impact of training on the performance of each pastor.
Results
The research revealed significant results regarding the impact of ministerial training in public evangelism on the involved pastors. With a notably positive response, 92% of pastors reported that the content presented during the training program would have a beneficial effect, increasing their personal productivity in ministry. This high percentage reflects an optimistic expectation that the received training can enhance not only their practical skills but also the effectiveness of their ministerial work. Additionally, 96% of participants expressed feeling equipped to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired, confirming that the training provided the necessary tools for them to implement tangible improvements in their daily activities. The adoption of effective teaching methods was also recognized, with 91% of pastors indicating that the pedagogical approach adopted contributed to an increase in confidence in the applicability of the teachings in their specific ministerial contexts. The conviction that the continuous application of the learned content will lead to more effective ministry was shared by 94% of the respondents, highlighting a direct correlation between constant practice and improvement in ministerial performance. Furthermore, the motivation generated by the training process was widely observed as a catalyst for potential positive transformation in ministry, with an inspiring influence that could trigger a wave of change and continuous development.
Conclusion
The findings obtained in this study reinforce the success of the training program, as evidenced by the large number of pastors who acknowledged the importance of the acquired learning. This high recognition rate highlights that the program was not only relevant but also exerted a significant influence on the enhancement of district pastors\u27 skills in public evangelism. The positive analysis and validation by pastors regarding the program reinforce its relevance and effectiveness. Furthermore, the practical and contextualized approach adopted by the program, which directly aligns with the challenges faced by pastors in their roles, had a substantial impact on the quality of their work. This promoted considerable enhancement in their leadership and mission skills. The comprehensive strategy adopted by the program, encompassing stages of coordination, compassion, connection, cultivation, harvest, and continuity, demonstrates a successful model of development and implementation for public evangelism in district pastoral ministry