title: Effects of an empowerment-based psychosocial intervention on quality of life and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic patients.
abstract: This study was aimed at determining impact of an empowerment-based psychosocial intervention on the patients' quality of life and glycemic control as compared to patients in standard care. Consecutively recruited type 2 diabetic patients, scheduled for their regular medical check-ups, were individually acquainted with empowerment-based principles and invited to participate in an empowering psychosocial course. The response rate was 35% giving a number of 73 patients who were treated in eight separate groups. The treated patients reported their quality of life to be improved after the course regarding its psychological and social aspects. Their glycemic control also improved and remained so after 3- and 6-month follow-up periods, still being in a category of poor control. Empowerment-based psychosocial intervention in type 2 diabetic patients was shown to favourably affect their quality of life and to improve their metabolic control, the latter in a modest degree. Better educated patients believing in internal health control and efficacy of diabetes treatment seemed to benefit the most. Further research is needed in order to highlight individual preferences for different educational approaches, as well as social and cultural factors affecting them.
authors.affiliation: Vuk Vrhovac University Clinic, Outpatient Department, Dugi Dol 4a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. pibernik@idb.hr
authors.forename: Mirjana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pibernik-Okanovic
authors.forename: Manja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prasek
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Poljicanin-Filipovic
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pavlic-Renar
authors.forename: Zeljko
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Metelko
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017523:Croatia; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires