2016/08/18 by Huixia Shen, Yanbo Wang, Helen Edwards
Medicine · Health Professions · #Diabetes Management and Education #Mental Health and Patient Involvement #Chronic Disease Management Strategies
paper · doi:10.1111/jocn.13526
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a self-management programme collaborating with communities and mobilising peer leaders for patients with diabetes in mainland China. BACKGROUND: The rapidly increasing diabetic epidemic is an overwhelming burden in China. Diabetic self-management programmes that are both effective and feasible despite health resource shortages should be developed and evaluated. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental. METHODS: In total, 181 patients with diabetes completed the study (89 in the experimental group and 92 in the control group). Diabetic instruction and peer-led group activities were two major parts of the programme. Outcome variables, including self-efficacy, social support, self-management behaviours and quality of life, were measured. Participants' perceptions towards the programme were also collected. anova/ancova and content analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Social support, self-efficacy and self-management behaviours significantly improved during the study period. Although quality of life did not change significantly, the participants provided positive feedback for the programme. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of this programme was partially verified. The delivery mode, through trained peer leaders and collaboration with communities, appeared to be feasible. Using a cluster randomised controlled design with full cost-effectiveness analysis would provide a more rigorous examination for this programme. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study adds to the growing evidence of the importance of self-efficacy and social support as a mechanism for achieving behavioural change. This programme appears to be promising in promoting diabetic self-management in China and may be applied to individuals with other chronic diseases and dwelling in other regions.