The last century has witnessed a great development in all areas, Health care services are
constantly evolving including health education which is considered as a cornerstone in the
prevention of diseases. Health education should start from primary
health care centers which are
responsible for ensuring the provision of health education not only for patients and their families
but also to society as a whole. In order to achieve the desired objectives of health education in
health centers, it must be desired supported by using the appropriate materials of health education,
which effectively contribute to raising the educational process level and increase its efficiency. The
optimal use of educational materials by competent person will help him to do his job efficiently
with high quality. Educational materials helps in providing health information in interesting
manner and create an ambiance of interaction and teamwork between the provider and beneficiary.
Despite the importance of using health education materials in the process of providing health
information , there are few foreign and Arabic studies and there are no studies in Syria that deal
with this important side of health education process ( i.e : the use of educational materials). This
study aimed to evaluate the use of health educational materials in primary healthcare centers in the
city of Lattakia by all members of the nursing staff working in those centers, since each nursing
health care provider plays a role as a health educator during the delivery of health services.
The study was conducted in primary health care centers in the city of Lattakia , The sample
consisted of 220 nursing and health care providers in 12 health center. The most important results
were that health care providers use the educational materials available to them at the center, and
there is a remarkable shortage in the availability of audio visual and sensual educational materials.
Health care providers acknowledge the importance of using educational materials in the process of
providing health information to the beneficiary. However, There are many difficulties facing them.
introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic and a leading cause for
increasing mortality and morbidity. Although prevention and care policies exist, diabetes
continues to be a global public health problem with serious consequences. Aim: To
assess
the educational needs on diabetes among patients, level of knowledge and patient specific
characteristics that are associated with this knowledge. Method: A descriptive study was
conducted among 50 patients who entered Tishreen university between May 2017 and
December 2017. Questionnaire on different domains of diabetes such as general
knowledge, complications, treatment, life style, symptoms and prevention. Each statement
was given a score of one if it was answered correctly and zero for a wrong answer. Out of a
total score, a score of seventy percent and above was considered good knowledge ,
between thirty percent and seventy considered moderate, less than thirty considered poor
knowledge . Results: more than half, were > 50 years (54%), (54%) were males, 46% were
female. Most of educational needs were: regarding of insulin, its kinds, sides effects,
methods of prevention of diabetic foot and care it. The level of knowledge of diabetes was
moderate 63%.
Recommendation: Awareness regarding all the aspects of diabetes mellitus needs to
be increased for better control of the disease and its complications. Future studies about
effect of education program on improvement of knowledge and self care, especially about
the diabetic foot.
