Diabetes Education in Rural Appalachia

Abstract

Introduction:

Diabetes education has long been a problem at rural health sites like Tug River Health Association at Gary, WV. Many providers expressed a need of handouts on diabetic topics that are both informative and written on an appropriate educational reading level for the local population where most do not have access to internet resources at home and only half of the county’s population has a high school diploma.

Methods:

Multiple providers were surveyed informally regarding diabetic topics that they felt needed more attention. A total of 14 topics were identified. Information was gathered and printer-friendly handouts were created on each topic. These handouts were then posted on a newly created webpage along with a printable home glucose log sheet and links to other websites.

Results:

Construction of the website is still underway, therefore no results are available at time of print. Anticipated results will be that the handouts can be printed and given to patients to help further the understanding of their disease.

Conclusions:

Access to and comprehension of complex medical information can be challenging to patients as well as providers in rural areas. Further work is needed to help expand the availability of information in rural areas.