Abstract

TORRES, Heloisa de Carvalho et al. Evaluation of group and individual strategies in a diabetes education program. Rev. Saúde Pública [online]. 2009, vol.43, n.2, pp. 291-298.  Epub Feb 13, 2009. ISSN 0034-8910.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009005000001.

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.

Keywords : Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Patient Education as Topic; Self Care; Patient Participation; Self-Help Groups; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Program Evaluation.