Effect of a Diabetes Self-Efficacy Enhancing Program on Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of a diabetes self-efficacy enhancing program (DSEEP) on older adults with type 2 diabetes. The 8-week DSEEP consisted of a guidebook on diabetes self-care, a 1-day workshop, and fortnightly follow-up telephone calls. In total, 113 participants (56 in intervention group and 57 in control group) completed the study. Data were collected at baseline and at 8 weeks from the baseline. Outcome measures included self-efficacy, diabetes self-care activities, health-related quality of life, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and unplanned health care service usage. Compared with participants in the control group, those who received DSEEP had significantly higher increase in self-efficacy and diabetes self-care activities, lower HbA1c, and lesser unplanned health service usage. However, there was no significant difference in health-related quality of life between the two groups. The DSEEP increased self-efficacy, which successfully enhanced self-care activities and reduced HbA1c.