Evaluation of group and individual strategies in a diabetes education program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009005000001Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Patient Education as Topic, Self Care, Patient Participation, Self-Help Groups, Health Education, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Program EvaluationAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of individual and group strategies in a diabetes education program. METHODS: A total of 104 type-2 diabetes outpatients enrolled in an education program of a teaching hospital in Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil, were randomly selected and assigned to two different education strategies: group education (54 subjects) and individual education (50 subjects). Group education comprised three monthly sessions, which involved play and interactive dynamics. In parallel, a second group received individual education. Subjects were follow up for six months during 2006 and they were evaluated using specific questionnaires: knowledge of diabetes, psychological attitudes, change in behavior, quality of life. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline, three and six months of intervention. RESULTS: Mean age was 60.6 years. The results of group and individual education were similar in the assessment tests of attitude, change of behavior and quality of life. A reduction in HbA1c levels was seen in both groups, but a statistically significant difference (p=0.012) was found only in the group education. CONCLUSIONS: Both strategies of diabetes education were effective, however, group education was more effective than individual education for blood glucose control.Downloads
Published
2009-04-01
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Original Articles
How to Cite
Torres, H. de C., Franco, L. J., Stradioto, M. A., Hortale, V. A., & Schall, V. T. (2009). Evaluation of group and individual strategies in a diabetes education program . Revista De Saúde Pública, 43(2), 291-298. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009005000001