College of Nursing and Health Sciences DNP Defense - Adekitan Aderoju
College of Nursing and Health Sciences DNP Defense - Adekitan Aderoju
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
ZOOM: Please contact dhoffman@umassd.edu for link.
Title: Educational Intervention to Increase Diabetes-Related Knowledge in Adults with Diabetes Taking Psychotropic Medications
Committee:
DNP Project Chair: Dr. Natalie Correia
Second Faculty: Dr. Doreen Mukona
Site Mentor: Dr. Christiana Ogunleye
Abstract:
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects over 37 million individuals in the United States and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Management is further complicated in individuals with coexisting mental health conditions who are prescribed psychotropic medications, many of which are associated with adverse metabolic effects. Despite these risks, gaps persist in patient education regarding the relationship between psychotropic medications and glycemic control, particularly in outpatient psychiatric settings.
Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a nurse-led educational intervention to improve diabetes-related knowledge and understanding of psychotropic medication effects among adults with diabetes receiving psychotropic medications.
Methods: A mixed-method, equal-status design was conducted using a convenience sample of 20 participants in an outpatient psychiatric setting. The intervention consisted of a brief, nurse-led educational session focused on diabetes management and the metabolic effects of psychotropic medications. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate pre- and post-intervention differences due to the small sample size and nonparametric distribution. Outcomes were measured using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised (DKQ-R) and a researcher-developed Psychotropic Medication Questionnaire. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in both diabetes-related knowledge and psychotropic medication understanding. DKQ-R scores increased from a mean of 4.10 (SD = 3.11) to 19.70 (SD = 2.23) (z = -3.93, p < .001). Psychotropic medication knowledge scores improved from a median of 1.00 to 5.00 (z = -4.13, p < .001). Qualitative findings indicated high participant satisfaction, with themes of improved understanding, perceived relevance, and clarity of the educational session.
Nursing Implications: A nurse-led educational intervention significantly improved knowledge related to diabetes and psychotropic medication effects among adults with diabetes. These findings support integrating targeted, patient-centered education into outpatient psychiatric settings to enhance self-management and address gaps in care.
Keywords: diabetes mellitus, nurse-led education, psychotropic medications, patient education, glycemic control, mental health
ZOOM
Deanna Hoffman
dhoffman@umassd.edu