Brief counseling for better diabetes management: a pilot study on the Modified 5A Approach

Introduction
High rates of diabetes-related complications and medication nonadherence highlight the need to strengthen diabetes management for patients at public health centers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Brief counseling using a modified 5A model may support therapy management in this primary care setting.

Objectives
This study aimed to determine the impact of modified 5A brief counseling on medication adherence, knowledge level, and fasting blood sugar.

Material and methods
We conducted a quasi-experimental study involving 75 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at public health centers in Yogyakarta. Data were collected prospectively through interviews, questionnaires, and clinical measurements. Medication adherence was assessed using the modified medication adherence rating scale. Between-group and within-group differences were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results
The use of the model increased patients’ knowledge significantly and improved medication adherence. Pre-test scores were comparable between the two experimental groups. In contrast, post-test scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The intervention decreased fasting blood sugar levels, with the intervention group exhibiting lower levels than the control group.

Conclusions
Using the modified 5A model for brief counseling can significantly increase knowledge and adherence and decrease fasting blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus patients at public health centers.