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A Qualitative Evaluation of the Ohio University Diabetes Certificate Program

Denison, Kaitlin E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1512553864330607

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Food and Nutrition Sciences (Health Sciences and Professions).
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious metabolic disease, which is primarily characterized by hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar levels. If the disease remains undiagnosed or is poorly managed, it can lead to a host of complications. The prevalence of DM nationally and globally has grown at an incredible rate. Since 1980, global prevalence has nearly doubled from 4.7% to 8.5% of the adult population, accounting for some 422 million adults (World Health Organization, 2014). In response to the immense public health threat, Ohio University established the Diabetes Certificate Program in 2012 as a means of educating students about the multifaceted and complex condition of diabetes and its management. Students receive a unique interdisciplinary education that includes two courses, an independent study, and additional elective coursework. The Certificate provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of diabetes from a number of different perspectives and allows them to learn about diabetes first hand through research, clinical, and service learning experiences. The purpose of this study was to conduct a program evaluation of the Diabetes Certificate Program as a means of identifying any ongoing successes and challenges. Participants of the study had completed the 17 credit hours required to earn the Certificate. Trained moderators conducted structured focus groups, in which participants were prompted with open-ended questions and discussed their experiences with the program. Thematic analysis was used to discern common themes generated from the focus groups. Within the categories of successes, ongoing challenges and recommendations, eight general themes were identified. Students reported that they appreciated the opportunity to listen to experts in the field, engage in a diversity of learning methods, and receive preparation for graduate and/or professional school through in-depth knowledge and training acquired from the program. Existing challenges included logistical difficulties related to independent study opportunities and time commitment as well as inconsistency of assignments. Areas for improvement included inclusion of additional experiential learning opportunities and exposure to more research and technology trends in diabetes. In conclusion, this qualitative process evaluation allowed for an in-depth understanding of the successes and challenges of the Diabetes Certificate Program. These findings may be useful to educators interested in designing and implementing a Diabetes Certificate Program at other universities. Finally, this process evaluation represents the first step in understanding the components necessary for improving and sustaining a Diabetes Certificate Program; additional research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this program in educating students about diabetes.
Darlene Berryman (Advisor)
Elizabeth Beverly (Committee Member)
Jennifer Yoder (Committee Member)
128 p.
Educational Evaluation; Endocrinology; Health Education; Health Sciences
Diabetes; qualitative evaluation; Ohio University; diabetes certificate; diabetes education; process evaluation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Denison, K. E. (2017). A Qualitative Evaluation of the Ohio University Diabetes Certificate Program [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1512553864330607

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Denison, Kaitlin. A Qualitative Evaluation of the Ohio University Diabetes Certificate Program. 2017. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1512553864330607.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Denison, Kaitlin. "A Qualitative Evaluation of the Ohio University Diabetes Certificate Program." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1512553864330607

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1512553864330607
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© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12