Normative and Felt Needs Assessment - Essay Example

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus A Need To Change Lifestyle Introduction Healthy body and healthy mind are the key to happiness. People can live a completely satisfied and happy life only if they have a strong and healthy body. However, in today’s modern world, people’s lifestyle has changed due to their hectic life and the pressure to keep up with the social demands has led to inculcation of some very unhealthy physical habits. This includes unhealthy eating patterns, addictions to beverages, consumption of junk food and decrease in consumption of fresh and hence healthy food. Unfortunately, these habits are taking their toll on the bodies and the minds of people and they are becoming victim of many chronic diseases due to unhealthy lifestyle. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is one of those diseases which is caused by unhealthy lifestyle. The study of the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus shows that if people take care of their lifestyle and become aware of causes of this disease, they can prevent getting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is high time that everyone should be made aware of this disease. Definition : Type 2 Diabetes mellitus can be defined as a “group of metabolic diseases characterized and diagnosed by a chronic elevation of blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) that results from defects in insulin section secretion, insulin action or both. This may be accompanied by a variety of disturbances of carbohydrates, protein and fat metabolism” (Levene 2003, p.7). Type 2 diabetes is also called as ‘lifestyle disease’ as it is caused by consumption of unhealthy food and leading a physically inactive life (What is type 2 diabetes?, n.d.). The important thing to be noted about Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is that because it often shows no strong physical symptoms, it remains undetected for number of years. Only when a person suffers from some strong signs like a heart attack or vision problem does he/she realizes that he/she might be sufferin from the disease (What is type 2 diabetes?, n.d.). The lack of strong and specific physical symptoms has made it difficult for this disease to be detected. This has made it more important to make people aware about Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Type 2 Diabetes mellitus has a hereditary tendency and this maybe because of the lifestyle habits that run in the family. The problem of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus has grown since last few years and now 85 to 90 per cent people are affected by it (What is type 2 diabetes?, n.d.) . This is a serious matter and the sooner the people are made aware of it, the better. The positive thing is that it can be prevented by cultivating a healthy lifestyle. Magnitude of the problem : Since last decade, the problem of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly and more and more people are becoming victim of it. The thing that is of great concern is that because of the lack of physical condition showing that they have diabetes, people are not even aware that they are suffering from it. The disease is growing so fast that, according to a report by W.H.O., it is estimated that if serious steps are not taken to stop it, by the year 2030, 350 million people all over the world are going to get affected by the disease ( World Health Organization 2003). The number of people all over the world suffering from Type 2 Diabetes mellitus was approximately 175 million in the year 2003. This shows that the estimated growth is going to be double in just 25 years and this shows how fast is the rate with which Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is growing. Looking at the statistics, it is clear how serious the problem is, if not tackled immediately. The data of the growth of this disease in Australia is also not encouraging. It is as concerning as the report by W.H.O. The study shows that the number of people getting affected by Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is growing day by day. If the data from the year 1995 is studied, it can be seen that the increase is very rapid. In the year 1995, 404,000 people, i.e. 2.4% of the population was reported to be suffering from Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. By the year 2004-05, there was increase by 1% in the growth. I.e. in 2004-05, 700,000 people were found to be suffering from Type 2 Diabetes mellitus ( Year Book Australia 2008). Now, the current data shows that in the year 2007-08, the number of people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes mellitus was 818,000 which comprises 4.0% of the population (National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 2007-2008 2009). Type 2 Diabetes mellitus has a potential to become life threatening if it is ignored or neglected. There are different ways in which this disease can be controlled. However, if not taken care of properly, it can lead to damage of vital organs like heart, kidneys, eyes and reproductive system (Complications of diabetes n.d.). It has been found that the age-adjusted life expectancy of people suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus is reduced by 5-10 years compared to the people who are not suffering from it. It was also found that 58% of mortality in people suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to cardiovascular disease (Levene 2003, p.14). Only practicing healthy eating habits, consumption of important amount of vegetables and fruits and early detection of the disease can help prevent this danger. However, if not detected in time, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus can make a sufferer dependent on medication and insulin ( Complications of diabetes n.d.). The fact is, no one likes to lead a dependent life. Looking at the dangers of the Type 2 Diabetes mellitus , it is better to prevent it than to cure it. The increase of the Type 2 diabetes mellitus is creating not only concern regarding the heath of the population as a whole, but also is creating huge financial burden on the country’s expenditure. According to a report released in the year 2002 by DiabCost Australia, a large scale national study, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus costs Australia $3 billion a year. An average expenditure on the treatment is coming to $11,000 per sufferer. This shows that the disease is causing a huge financial burden not only on the nation but also on the individuals who are suffering from it (MIMS 2002). The data shows how important it is for the health system to take immediate and important steps to stop this from growing further. The positive side of this scenario is that Type 2 Diabetes mellitus can be prevented by changes in the lifestyle. Risk Factors : The study of the risk factors that can lead to Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the body shows that most of the risk factors are such that they can be controlled by conscious efforts. Some of the risk factors that can lead to Type 2 diabetes mellitus are as follows : 1. Being overweight 2. Having a history of suffering of Type 2 diabetes mellitus 3. Coming from a certain ethnic background like Southern Europe, Middle east, North Africa and Southern Asia. 4. Being from Aboriginal and Torre Strait Island. 5. Leading a physically lethargic and inactive lifestyle. 6. Having the conditions of Impaired Glucose Tolerance(IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glucoses(IFG), also known as pre-diabetes, increases the chances of getting affected by Type 2 diabetes mellitus by 10 to 20 times. 7. Smoking. Looking at the above risk factors, one can realize that prevention of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is possible if people practice a healthy and active lifestyle. However, this is proving to be a challenge as the studies have shown that people are not consuming enough healthy food as is necessary. In fact, the studies have shown that half of the Australian population is leading a very unhealthy lifestyle as far as the food is concerned. Lifestyle risk factors: Being overweight and obese is very strongly associated with developing a Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Levene 2003, p.9). The major cause of overweight and obese is consumption of unhealthy food and lack of vegetable and fruits in daily food intake. Studies have shown that more than half of the Australian population are victim of unhealthy food consumption habits. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight and obesity are major risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sadly, the figures that show the number of people following an unhealthy diet and lifestyle is shocking. It was found that 90% of adult population in Australia take inadequate amount of vegetable , 70% people did not exercise enough, 44% people either smoked or consumed alcohol at the risk level and 44% were reported to be overweight or obese. The important thing to note here is that more than 52% people reported that they intake inadequate amount of vegetable and fruits and at the same time also exercise less than is necessary for healthy body. This shows that making people aware of the importance of consumption of fruits and vegetables is important for their health and life (Overweight and Obesity in Adults 2008). From the data we can assume that people are not aware of the fact that not including vegetables and fruits in their daily food is putting them at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In fact, it will not be wrong to assume that people are not aware of what Type 2 diabetes mellitus is. This makes it important to make people aware about the conditions and the factors that lead to Type 2 diabetes mellitus and also make them realize the importance of getting themselves tested regularly for the detection of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Target Group and the plan: The assessment of the people who are at risk is very important. This will help detection as well as creating awareness among the people regarding the importance of healthy eating and drinking habits. Looking at the risk factors, the population of Onkaparinga city seem to be at high risk of development of this disease. The heritage of aboriginal ethnic background, high level of overweight problem and unhealthy food habits make them susceptible to develop Type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to a report released in 2007 by Population Research & Outcome Studies Unit, 5.8% of Onkaparinga city population was diagnosed by diabetes. It was also found that the percent of population that has insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables in their diet is very disappointing. The report shows that a surprisingly huge amount of population, i.e. 89.2% have insufficient intake of vegetable. Also, 60.2% reported to be taking insufficient amount of fruits and 48.2% people have reported to be doing insufficient amount f exercise. So it is not surprising to see that 54.8% of Onkaparinga city population is reported to be overweight and obese (Chronic conditions, risk factors and disability, City of Onkaparinga, 2006 n.d.). It should also be noted that the reason behind insufficient intake of vegetables and fruits can be the poor financial condition of the family. According to a report in 2006, nearly 40% of the population was earning less than $21,000 per year ( Individual incomes n.d.). The report released in 2007 shows that 7.4% people from Onkaparinga city said that they had insufficient money to buy food items (Chronic conditions, risk factors and disability, City of Onkaparinga, 2006 n.d.). However, looking at the figures, the reason of financial insufficiency is a valid reason for insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables for 7.4% of population. The remaining population seem to be unaware of the fact that due to their neglect of the importance of healthy food or because of simple reason of being unaware of the disease of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, they are driving themselves towards a dangerous and life threatening disease. To make them aware of this disease, it is important to design a Type 2 diabetes mellitus awareness plan. Assessment tool : A questionnaire is the best assessment tool for the detection of symptoms and to create awareness about the disease, its causes, the dangers of the disease and how it can be prevented. The questionnaire that is prepared as a tool for assessment is not just to detect the possibility of risk of development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus but also to let people know everything about it so that they start leading a active lifestyle and inculcate healthy diet in their life. The target group is selection of people who are overweight, between the age range of 25-54 years and from low income families. 10 people each will be randomly picked from 3 different lifestyle backgrounds like working, non-working and college going people. This assessment will help to later design a plan to make people from different backgrounds aware of the details of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The questions asked are designed according to the data collected from different sources and the information regarding the causes and the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The questions in the questionnaire needs to be answered as yes or no. The questions are as follows: 1. Do you consume sufficient amount of vegetables in your diet? 2. Do you consume sufficient amount of fruits in your diet? 3. Does you indulge in any form of exercise for more than 45 minutes on daily basis? 4. Do you feel thirsty more than average people? 5. Do you suffer from excessive or frequent urination? 6. Do you feel tired without any particular reason? 7. Are you aware of the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes mellitus? 8. Are you aware that being overweight is considered as a major risk for development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus? 9. Are you aware that if remained undiagnosed, Type 2 diabetes mellitus is life threatening? 10. Are you aware that Type 2 diabetes mellitus, if not controlled can lead to heart problem, kidney problem, sexual dysfunction, impotency and other physical problem? 11. Are you aware that if diagnose early, Type 2 diabetes mellitus can be maintained just by reducing weight and cultivating a habit of regular exercise? 12. Are you aware f the fact that person suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus has to bear an average expenditure of $11,000 per year? 13. Are you aware of the fact that this disease is preventable? 14. Do you have anyone in the family suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus? 15. Have you ever tested yourself for Type 2 diabetes mellitus? 16. Are you aware that regular tests are important to be conducted as it has tendency to occur again? The answers to these questions can help assess the chances of the person having Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It not only asks for the presence of symptoms but also checks the awareness level and the knowledge of the person about Type 2 diabetes mellitus. On the basis of this questionnaire, a plan can be designed to conduct Type 2 diabetes mellitus awareness drive and the importance of the vegetable and fruits in daily diet among students and working people. For the population who does not go to college or office, a free monthly newsletter can be created to make them aware about the causes and importance of diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus? Type 2 diabetes mellitus is dangerous only if people let it develop in their body. However, just by changing the eating habits and exercising regularly, people can prevent being a victim of this life threatening disease. The need of the hour is to choose things that are natural and avoid things that are artificial. It is high time that we eat right and at the same time exercise right. References: ABS 2008. Overweight and Obesity in Adults . [Online]. Availabl http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4719.0Main%20Features52004-05?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4719.0&issue=2004-05&num=&view= [Accessed 25 August 2009] ABS 2009, National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 2007-2008 (Reissue), [Online]. Available : http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4364.0Main%20Features32007-2008%20(Reissue)?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=4364.0&issue=2007-2008%20(Reissue)&num=&view= [Accessed 25 August 2009] ABS 2008, Year Book Australia, 2008, [Online]. Available : http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/ABS@.nsf/0/3E1940D483190AD3CA2573D2001076C6?opendocument [Accessed 25 August 2009] Diabetes Australia – Vic. n.d., What is type 2 diabetes? [Online]. Available : http://www.diabetesvic.org.au/Type2Diabetes/tabid/56/Default.aspx [Accessed 25 August 2009] Diabetes Australia – Vic. n.d. Complications of diabetes [Online]. Available : http://www.diabetesvic.org.au/LivingWithDiabetes/Complications/tabid/100/Default.aspx [Accessed 25 August 2009] Levene, LS 2003, Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care: a practical guide, Elsevier Health Sciences MIMS 2002, Type 2 Diabetes costs Australia $3 billion a year, Online]. Available : http://www.mydr.com.au/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-costs-australia-3-billion-a-year [Accessed 25 August 2009] Stats & Facts n.d. Chronic conditions, risk factors and disability, City of Onkaparinga, 2006. [Online]. Available : http://www.onkaparingacity.com/statsandfacts/health/chronic_conditions.asp [Accessed 25 August 2009] Stats & Facts n.d. Individual incomes, 2006. [Online]. Available : http://www.onkaparingacity.com/statsandfacts/economic_development/individual_incomes.asp [Accessed 25 August 2009] World Health Organization 2003. Screening For Type 2 Diabetes. ? [Online]. Available : http://www.who.int/diabetes/publications/en/screening_mnc03.pdf [Accessed 25 August 2009]   Read More