Application of the theory of planned behavior in assessing health education needs for patient navigation of rural adults with type 2 diabetes
Cristela Mae C. Candelario, Jonathan P. Guevarra, Eleanor C. CastilloBACKGROUND:
Healthcare systems increasingly implement patient navigation programs while simultaneously struggling with low patient awareness and engagement. This study assessed health education needs for patient navigation among underserved communities, with a focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, to inform the development of contextually appropriate educational interventions aimed at improving intention to utilize these services.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, we conducted focus group discussions with community health workers and municipal health officers (
RESULTS:
Eight major themes were identified: (1) limited awareness of patient navigation services, (2) community acceptability and economic benefits recognition, (3) familial support and communication preferences, (4) technology infrastructure and access barriers, (5) privacy and security concerns, (6) community support systems and facilitating factors, (7) diabetes-specific navigation complexity, and (8) educational design and delivery preferences. Our findings revealed complete convergence on patient navigation awareness deficits and recognition of economic benefits, while showing divergent emphases on privacy concerns and scheduling preferences.
CONCLUSION:
The systematic translation of needs assessment findings into intervention components revealed how the TPB can guide culturally responsive health education design toward egalitarian access to care, particularly for complex chronic conditions like diabetes, with community health workers serving as critical implementation partners.