Field test of a group education program for type 2 diabetes: measures and predictors of success on individual and group levels.
We performed field testing of a previously described group education program for type 2 diabetes. HbA(1c) levels at start, 6 and 12 months were collected and demographic factors examined to identify predictors of long-term glycemic control on individual and group levels. "Glycemic success" comprised of (1) achieving target values of HbA(1c) < or =6.5% and/or (2) decreasing HbA(1c) progressively, depending on initial values. Groups in the field test and previous pilot-study (N=105) decreased their mean HbA(1c) significantly after 6 months, implying that diabetes mass education led by pharmacists could be possible in the future. Target HbA(1c) < or =6.5% was seen in 51% at start and 63% after 12 months (P=0.023). Initial HbA(1c) and BMI were the most important success predictors; age, sex, duration, and civil status showed no effects. Overweight individuals relapsed after initially decreasing their HbA(1c), emphasizing the need for long-term support in weight management. Experienced loneliness affected outcomes, indicating interaction between diet self-care and social relations.
Sarkadi
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Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Science Park, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
Rosenqvist
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin