The Effectiveness of an Interactive Small Group Diabetes Intervention in Improving Knowledge, Feeling of Control, and Behavior

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a small group intervention in improving knowledge, feeling of control, and behaviors related to self-management of diabetes. The intervention includes educational content on diabetes self-management as well as discussion of attitudes, feelings, and motivations about living with diabetes. The authors randomized volunteers into an intervention group that participated in the small-group learning activity and a control group that received a diabetes self-care book. A survey was conducted by telephone before and after each intervention and the difference in change over time between the groups was assessed for each outcome. Compared to the control group, participants in the small-group activity reported significant changes on all three outcomes adjusting for demographic differences between the groups. Because facilitating the learning session does not require clinically trained personnel, this type of intervention could broaden the resources available to people with diabetes.

National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education

“…The content areas are designed to be applicable in all settings and represent topics that can be developed in basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Approaches to education that are interactive and patient-centered have been shown to be effective (83,119,121,122,125–127). …”

National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education

“…The content areas are designed to be applicable in all settings and represent topics that can be developed in basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Approaches to education that are interactive and patient-centered have been shown to be effective (83,119,121,122,125–127). …”

The Experience of Teaching in a Diabetes Program

“…8 The struggle associated with management of nutrition, medication, exercise, and stress management, and the multiple social factors involved are consistent with the findings of previous studies. 7,11,12 In addition, these educators are fulfilling the mission of the AADE Position Statement and linking these patients with the personal services they need to manage their health needs regarding diabetes. 6 Diabetes education is a key component of the self-management of diabetes, [13][14][15][16][17] and additional diabetes educators will be needed in the future with the increasing numbers of persons diagnosed with diabetes.…”

“…Research has found that interventions need to address not only knowledge of diabetes but also attitudes and motivation; improving attitudes has been shown to have a positive effect on diabetes management. 7 Evidence to support the important role of the diabetes educators' values and interpersonal skills and their ability to establish a therapeutic alliance with patients is lacking in the literature. 8 Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the teaching experiences of persons teaching in a rural diabetes program.…”