Comparison of the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy and reality therapy on the self-care of diabetes type II patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Self-care is one of the most important factors affecting the lives of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes. This study attempted to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and reality therapy on self-care in type II diabetes patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a quasi-experimental study with pretest–post-test control group design. The statistical population included 100 patients referred to diabetes clinics in Torbat Heydariyeh, 2020-2021. Using available sampling method, 60 patients were selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 20 people (2 experimental groups and a control group). Data collection instrument included demographic information and standard diabetes self-care questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc test. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant difference between self-care scores of ACT and reality therapy groups compared to control group among type II diabetes patients (P < .05, F = 56.55). The effectiveness of ACT and reality therapy interventions on self-care rates in type II diabetes patients is different. The mean of self-care variable after intervention in the ACT group increased compared to reality therapy. CONCLUSION: Due to the significant effect of ACT treatment on self-care behaviors of patients with type II diabetes, it is recommended that this therapy can be used in diabetes treatment centers to promote self-care and thus improve the control of diabetes in patients.