Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences
Committee Chair
Melissa Olfert
Committee Co-Chair
Andrea McCarty
Committee Member
Andrea McCarty
Committee Member
Christina Duncan
Abstract
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of Americans. It can have significant, lasting effects on an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing, especially when it goes unmanaged or untreated. Diabetes has been a growing problem in West Virginia (WV), which has the highest adult rate of diabetes at 15.7% in the US. Furthermore, WV has the highest mortality rate associated with diabetes at 36.2%. An effective method of management is through diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). DSMES is a critical component of care for all individuals with diabetes. It is defined as the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care. Benefits associated with DSMES include improving hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, preventing or reducing the risk of diabetes complications, improving the overall quality of life, and being cost-effective. However, despite these benefits, DSMES is still underutilized, especially in more rural Appalachian areas. WV is currently the only state fully encompassed within the Appalachian region and is ranked as the 3rd most rural state by U.S. Census Bureau standards. This study aims to identify and gain understanding of DSMES within WV by initiating a comprehensive analysis of existing programming and resources within the state. To determine provider opinions on current barriers to care and how these could be addressed a survey (n=23 providers) of the general population and program characteristics was initiated. Also, in-depth cognitive interviews (n=15 providers) continued a narrative view of programs and insight on the barriers to care and strategies to overcome them from the provider’s perspective within WV. Survey data was analyzed via Qualtrics, while interview data was coded using thematic analysis. Findings conclude that programs mainly existed in more populated areas around the borders and highways transportation areas of WV vs. less populated rural areas within the central part of the state. The primary providers of education included nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians. About half of the programs had at least one CDCES on staff providing education. The structure, method of delivery, concepts covered, additional programming, and evaluation methods used by programs were identified. While the majority of programs appeared to focus on providing individualized care to better meet patient needs. Barriers identified included COVID; unreliable broadband services; lack of transportation, providers, time, and facilities/programs; cost of care and poor coverage for services; lack of value from patients and other providers, and cultural attitudes. Provider suggestions for how to overcome these barriers included increasing availability through more providers, funding, programs & services, telehealth, and transportation; reducing the cost of care; increasing awareness of services; collaborating with other providers and community partners, and taking a patient-centered care approach.
Recommended Citation
Yost, Kasey M., "Needs Assessment of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support within West Virginia from Provider Viewpoints" (2022). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 11180.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11180