Evaluation of the Diabetes Campaign for Palestine Refugees with Diabetes Mellitus Attending UNRWA Health Centers

Introduction: Among Palestine refugees living in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Diabetes Mellitus Type II (DMII) is a common problem with a prevalence of 11%. A high percent of these patients are obese (64%) or overweight (26%). A DM campaign was conducted to increase awareness on healthy lifestyle and improve health care management of DM among Palestine refugees. Method: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the main primary healthcare provider for Palestine refugees. Patients with DMI or DMII for ? 1 year, who were willing to participate, were selected from the 8 largest health centers (HCs) in Jordan, Lebanon, West Bank and Gaza. HCs conducted weekly group sessions for six months, including education, healthy cooking, and physical exercise. Body measurements, 2 hours postprandial glucose tests (2 hr PPGT), blood pressure, cholesterol were collected before and after the campaign. Result: Of 1,300 included patients, 1,174 (951 females, 223 males) completed the campaign; 36.1% patients had DMII; 59.3% DMII and hypertension; and 4.6% had DMI. After the campaign, 17% lost ? 5% of their weight, 19% lost (3%-5%), and 29% lost (1%-3%) of their weight. Significant reduction was seen in patients with high-risk waist circumference (WC), (p-value < 0.001). Also, significant improvements were seen in blood sugar and cholesterol. Conclusion: This campaign focusing on healthy life style awareness by using a variety of group sessions, improved body measurements of Palestine refugees with DM. Such campaigns need to be sustained and expanded to other HCs.