A COMMUNITY BASED APPROACH TO DIABETES MELLITUS AWARENESS AND PREVENTION IN TIMOR LESTE THROUGH ACADEMIC COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Abstrak

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has emerged as a critical public health concern both globally and in Timor-Leste. The rising number of diabetes cases is linked to limited public awareness, lifestyle changes, cultural factors, and the absence of structured national programs. This study describes the implementation of a community-based diabetes education and counseling program conducted in partnership with Instituto Superior Cristal (ISC). The objective was to enhance knowledge, promote preventive behaviors, and establish a sustainable model for diabetes awareness. The method adopted included participatory health education, community engagement, and ongoing evaluation. Results show significant improvements in community understanding, behavior change intentions, and institutional collaboration. The partnership with ISC provided academic expertise, student involvement, and long-term integration into educational programs. This initiative demonstrates that academic–community partnerships can effectively reduce knowledge gaps, promote behavioral transformation, and contribute to national efforts in Diabetes Mellitus prevention in Timor-Leste.