Evaluation of group and individual strategies in a diabetes education program

• Published in: Revista de saúde pública 2009-04, Vol.43 (2), p.291-298
• Main Authors: Torres, Heloisa de Carvalho, Franco, Laercio Joel, Stradioto, Mayra Alves, Hortale, Virginia Alonso, Schall, Virginia Torres
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - therapy; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Patient Education as Topic - methods; Program Evaluation; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1518-8787
• DOI: 10.1590/S0034-89102009005000001

To compare the effectiveness of individual and group strategies in a diabetes education program. 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. 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. Both strategies of diabetes education were effective, however, group education was more effective than individual education for blood glucose control.