Problem solving in diabetes self-management and control: a systematic review of the literature

Using structured problem solving to promote fluid consumption in the prevention of urinary stones with hydration (PUSH) trial

BACKGROUND

Structured Problem Solving (SPS) is a patient-centered approach to promoting behavior change that relies on productive collaboration between coaches and participants and reinforces participant autonomy. We aimed to describe the design, implementation, and assessment of SPS in the multicenter Prevention of Urinary Stones with Hydration (PUSH) randomized trial.

METHODS

In the PUSH trial, individuals with a history of urinary stone disease and low urine output were randomized to control versus a multicomponent intervention including SPS that was designed to promote fluid consumption and thereby prevent recurrent stones. We provide details specifically about training and fidelity assessment of the SPS coaches. We report on implementation experiences related to SPS during the initial conduct of the trial.

RESULTS

With training and fidelity assessment, coaches in the PUSH trial applied SPS to help participants overcome barriers to fluid consumption. In some cases, coaches faced implementation barriers such as variable participant engagement that required tailoring their work with specific participants. The coaches also faced challenges including balancing rapport with problem solving, and role clarity for the coaches.

CONCLUSIONS

We adapted SPS to the setting of kidney stone prevention and overcame challenges in implementation, such as variable patient engagement. Tools from the PUSH trial may be useful to apply to other health behavior change settings in nephrology and other areas of clinical care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03244189.

The effect of problem-solving skills on blood glucose regulation and disease management in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between problem-solving skills, glucose regulation, and disease management in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as well as the role of depression in this association.

METHODS

The participants (n=54) were recruited from a diabetes camp. Problem-solving inventory (PSI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and diabetes self-management profile (DSMP) were administered as tests. Forty-six participants who have been diagnosed with T1DM for at least a year and completed the survey were included in the analyses. Participants were categorized into high and low depression groups based on the median split. Student's t-test was used to detect demographic differences in groups. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between PSI, HbA1c, and DSMP. Regressions for PSI and DSMP were repeated in low and high-depression groups.

RESULTS

Of the 46 participants with T1DM, 52 % were female, with a mean age of 13.96 ± 1.94 (range 10-17). Avoidant and monitoring style of problem solving as well as the total score of PSI significantly predicted HbA1c levels. Impulsive and avoidant style of problem solving, problem-solving confidence, and total scores of PSI significantly predicted DSMP (p<0.05). The high depression group had a significantly higher DSMP score than the low depression group (p=0.001), with no difference in HbA1c levels (p=0.968). When the DSMP regressions were repeated, no significant associations were seen in the low depression group. Avoidant style of problem solving, problem-solving confidence, and the total score of PSI significantly predicted DSMP in the high depression group (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Problem solving-skills are essential in children with T1DM for a successful disease management. Depression modulates the association between the problem-solving and self-management profile.

Best practice guidelines for professional nurses to provide self-management support to adults with tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus coinfection: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Adults with tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus coinfection require professional nurses' support to manage their illness, treatment and its effect on their daily lives. This scoping review maps recommendations in clinical or best practice guidelines that guide professional nurses to provide self-management support to adults with tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus coinfection in primary healthcare settings.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review by searching for guidelines in six online databases, guideline clearing houses and search engines from 16th April 2022 to 25th May 2022. The title, abstract and full-text screening of guidelines were conducted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers based on predetermined eligibility criteria. The guidelines were critically appraised with the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Relevant data regarding the characteristics of the guideline, recommendations and underlying evidence were extracted, analysed and reported.

RESULTS

The six guidelines on self-management support found were developed in four high-income countries. Five of the guidelines recorded <60% across all six domains of the AGREE II instrument. One high-quality guideline scored >60% in all AGREE II domains but was informed by outdated evidence produced between 1977 to 2010. Twenty-five practice, education and organisational/policy recommendations were extracted from the high-quality guideline. The guidelines did not report evidence-to-decision frameworks and the strength of the recommendations. The guidelines also lacked direct underlying evidence on the effectiveness and cost of self-management support. Lastly, the review found a paucity of contextual (equity, acceptability and feasibility) evidence on self-management support among adults with tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus in the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

There is a dearth of updated and relevant high-quality guidelines that guide healthcare professionals to provide self-management support to adults with tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus coinfection in primary healthcare settings. Systematic reviews of effectiveness, economic and contextual evidence related to self-management support interventions are required for guideline production.

Domesticating the condition: Design lessons gained from a marathon on how to cope with barriers imposed by type 1 diabetes

Through analytical autoethnographic analysis of marathon preparation, this study examines challenges faced by people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who engage in high-performance sports. Autoethnographer and second-person perspectives (T1D runners, family members, and health providers) were collected through introspective activities (autoethnographic diary and in-depth interviews) to understand the T1D runner's coping experience. Six insights involved in T1D self-management were identified and analyzed with reference to related design tools (prototyping, archetyping and journey mapping). Finally, we conclude with a discussion of how endurance physical activity (PA) such as running helps to "domesticate" T1D, a term coined to reflect the difficulties that T1D presents for PA accomplishment and how T1D runners' experiences give them an opportunity to overcome PA barriers promoting physical culture and enriching further health psychology studies.

The effectiveness of self-management programmes for people with type 2 diabetes receiving insulin injection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving insulin injection are reported to encounter challenges to achieve optimal glycaemic control. The evidence on effectiveness of self-management programmes for T2D people receiving insulin injection is far from conclusive.

AIM

To examine the effectiveness of self-management programmes for people with T2D receiving insulin injection.

METHODS

Twelve databases were searched from dates of inception to June 2021. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials examining the effectiveness of self-management programmes were included. The methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools by two independent researchers. Data were summarised narratively or pooled statistically where appropriate.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs involving 2613 participants were included. At post-intervention, meta-analysis results showed that self-management programmes significantly improved glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (mean difference [MD]: -0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.29 to -0.12, P < .001), self-management behaviours (standardised MD [SMD]: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.33, P < .001) and self-efficacy (SMD: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.31, P = .0002). Only one intensive lifestyle intervention reported significant improvements in body weight and waist circumference. Three RCTs demonstrated significant improvements in body mass index compared with the control group. Only one study demonstrated significant improvements in total cholesterol and triglycerides in favour of the intervention group. At six months post-intervention, pooled results of two studies revealed decreased diabetes-related distress (MD: -2.98, 95% CI: -5.15 to -0.82, P = .007). No significant changes in blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, depression and anxiety were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-management programmes have the potential to improve glycaemic control, weight management, blood lipids, self-management behaviours, self-efficacy and diabetes-related distress of people with T2D receiving insulin injection. More rigorous experimental trials are warranted to examine the effectiveness of self-management programme and its maintenance.

Online assessment of problem-solving skills among fathers of young and school-age children with type 1 diabetes: Associations with parent and child outcomes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a pediatric chronic illness that is associated with significant parenting stress due to its lifelong course, burdensome disease management, and life-threatening complications. Although mothers of children with T1D have been studied extensively in relation to parenting stress, coping, and diabetes outcomes, there is a need to examine similar variables among fathers. The aim of the present study was to examine if fathers' use of problem-solving skills was related to parenting stress and diabetes regimen adherence and if problem-solving skills moderated the associations between paternal involvement in diabetes care and parenting stress in a national online sample of 215 fathers of children with T1D. Self-report measures completed by fathers through Qualtrics included a demographic and disease-related questionnaire, the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised; Parenting Stress Index-Fourth Edition, Short Form; Pediatric Inventory for Parents; Dads' Active Disease Support Scale; and Self-Care Inventory-Revised. Pearson correlations were computed to assess associations among study variables. Four separate multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the interactive effects of problem-solving skills and paternal involvement on parenting stress. Analyses revealed a large positive correlation between problem-solving skills and general parenting stress (r = .63), and a large negative correlation between problem-solving skills and pediatric parenting stress (r = -.52). The interaction between problem-solving skills and father involvement accounted for a significant amount of variance in a general parenting stress subscale (p < .01) and pediatric parenting stress (p < .05). These results highlight the importance of problem-solving skills for father outcomes in the context of T1D while implicating the potential benefit of a problem-solving intervention for this population.

The Effectiveness of Behavior Change Techniques Underpinning Psychological Interventions to Improve Glycemic Levels for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

An existing systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant reduction in glycemic levels for adults with type 2 diabetes who received a psychological intervention over control conditions. To help develop effective interventions in the future, there is a need to understand the active ingredients which underpin these psychological interventions. We conducted a secondary meta-analysis including 67 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in English. We reviewed the psychological intervention descriptions of the included studies of the existing review and extracted the behavior change techniques (BCTs) according to the BCT taxonomy (BCTTv1). We also extracted information on primary behavioral target versus primary outcome, and presence of fidelity assessment. The most frequent BCTs across RCTs were ‘social support (unspecified)’ (n=50), ‘problem solving’ (n=38) and ‘goal setting (behavior’) (n=30). These BCTs were independently associated with a significant reduction in glycemic levels (HbA1c) compared to control conditions, but not significantly different from studies that did not include these BCTs. Meta-regressions revealed no significant associations between HbA1c, and psychological intervention category (counselling versus cognitive behavioral therapy interventions) (p=0.84), frequency of BCTs per psychological intervention (p=0.29), primary behavioral target versus primary outcome (p=0.48), or presence of fidelity assessment (p=0.15). Social support (unspecified), problem solving, and goal setting (behavior) could be useful BCTs to develop psychological interventions for people with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic levels. However, more research is required to understand which combination of individual BCTs are most effective for this population.

Systematic Review Registration

Registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews registration (PROSPERO) CRD42016033619.

The Influence of Baseline Hemoglobin A1c on Digital Health Coaching Outcomes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Digital health coaching is an increasingly common diabetes self-management support strategy for individuals with type 2 diabetes and has been linked to positive mental and physical health outcomes. However, the relationship between baseline risk and outcomes is yet to be evaluated in a real-world setting.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this real-world study was to evaluate trends in digital health coaching outcomes by baseline hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) to better understand which populations may experience the greatest clinical and psychosocial benefit.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was used to evaluate program effect in a convenience sample of participants in a 12-week digital health coaching program administered by Pack Health. Participants were referred through their health care provider, payer, or employer. The program included patient-centered lifestyle counseling and psychosocial support delivered via telephone, text, and/or email. Self-reported HbA_1c and weight were collected at baseline and completion. Physical and mental health were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Short Form and the Diabetes Distress Scale-2. Changes in HbA_1c, weight, BMI, and physical and mental health were analyzed within three participant cohorts stratified by baseline HbA_1c level.

RESULTS

Participants with complete HbA_1c data sets (n=226) were included in the analysis. The sample population was 71.7% (162/226) female, with 61.5% (139/226) identifying as white and 34.1% (77/226) as black. Most participants (184/226, 81.4%) reported a baseline HbA_1c ≥7%, and 20.3% (46/226) were classified as high risk (HbA_1c >9%). Across HbA_1c cohorts, the mean baseline BMI was 35.83 (SD 7.79), and the moderate-risk cohort (7% ≤ HbA_1c ≤ 9%) reported the highest mean value (36.6, SD 7.79). At 12 weeks, patients reported a significant decrease in HbAlc, and high-risk participants reduced their levels by the greatest margin (2.28 points; P<.001). Across cohorts, BMI improved by 0.82 (P<.001), with the moderate-risk cohort showing the greatest reduction (-0.88; P<.001). Overall, participants reported significant improvements for PROMIS scores, with the greatest change occurring in the high-risk cohort for whom physical health improved 3.84 points (P<.001) and mental health improved 3.3 points (P<.001). However, the lowest-risk cohort showed the greatest improvements in diabetes distress (-0.76; P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledging the limitations in this real-world study design, the results reported here suggest that adults with type 2 diabetes with a high baseline HbA_1c or high BMI may benefit the most from patient-centered digital health coaching programs when compared to their lower risk counterparts. While all participants improved in physical and mental health categories, participants with high HbA_1c experienced the greatest HbA_1c reduction and individuals with the highest baseline BMI lost the most weight. These results may be used to inform referrals for patients who are more likely to benefit from digital health coaching.

Factors influencing diabetes self-management in adults: an umbrella review of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to identify and describe the factors influencing diabetes self-management in adults by summarizing the available evidence concerning their types, categories, and relative importance.

INTRODUCTION

A wide range of factors, acting simultaneously, influence diabetes self-management and interfere with its actual application by patients. There is a variety of systematic reviews of these factors; however, a more thorough examination of their influences was lacking.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Systematic reviews of qualitative or quantitative literature focusing on factors influencing adult diabetes self-management in general or on individual behaviors (ie, management of oral antidiabetic medication and insulin injections, self-monitoring of blood glucose, foot care, healthy eating, regular exercise, and smoking cessation) will be included.

METHODS

We performed an extensive search of 11 bibliographic databases, including gray literature, up to June 2019. Quantitative and qualitative findings were summarized separately and labeled according to their types (eg, facilitator/barrier, strength and direction of association), categories (eg, demographic, social), and frequency of occurrence.

RESULTS

We identified 51 types of factors within 114 systematic reviews, which mostly addressed medication-taking behavior. Thirty-two (62.7%) factors were reported in both qualitative and quantitative literature. The predominant influences were psychological factors and behavioral attributes/skills factors. The most frequently reported facilitators of diabetes self-management were motivation to diabetes self-management, a favorable attitude to diabetes self-management, knowledge about the disease, medication and behaviors associated with diabetes self-management, skills, and self-efficacy/perceived behavioral control. The predominant barriers were the presence of depression, and polypharmacy or drug regimen complexity. The demographic factor of female sex was frequently reported for its negative influence on diabetes self-management, whereas older age was a positive factor. The social/cultural and physical environment were the least-studied categories. Other factors such as social support from family, friends, or networks; interventions led by health professionals; and a strong community environment with good social services favoring diabetes self-management were reported as major facilitators of diabetes self-management.

CONCLUSIONS

Essential components of interventions to promote effective diabetes self-management should aim to help adults manage the effects of specific factors related to their psychological and practical self-management experience. Screening for depression, in particular, should become an integral part of the support for adult diabetes self-management, as depression is a particular obstacle to the effectiveness of diabetes self-management. Future studies should more deeply examine the influence of factors identified in the sociocultural and physical environment categories. Research should properly consider and invest efforts in strengthening social support and innovative community care approaches, including pharmacist- and nurse-led care models for encouraging and improving adult diabetes self-management. Finally, researchers should examine non-modifiable factors - age, sex, or socioeconomic status - in the light of factors from other categories in order to deepen understanding of their real-world patterns of action on adult diabetes self-management.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42018084665.

A Digital Health Intervention (SweetGoals) for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Protocol for a Factorial Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Many young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) struggle with the complex daily demands of adherence to their medical regimen and fail to achieve target range glycemic control. Few interventions, however, have been developed specifically for this age group.

OBJECTIVE

In this randomized trial, we will provide a mobile app (SweetGoals) to all participants as a "core" intervention. The app prompts participants to upload data from their diabetes devices weekly to a device-agnostic uploader (Glooko), automatically retrieves uploaded data, assesses daily and weekly self-management goals, and generates feedback messages about goal attainment. Further, the trial will test two unique intervention components: (1) incentives to promote consistent daily adherence to goals, and (2) web health coaching to teach effective problem solving focused on personalized barriers to self-management. We will use a novel digital direct-to-patient recruitment method and intervention delivery model that transcends the clinic.

METHODS

A 2x2 factorial randomized trial will be conducted with 300 young adults ages 19-25 with type 1 diabetes and (Hb)A_1c ≥ 8.0%. All participants will receive the SweetGoals app that tracks and provides feedback about two adherence targets: (a) daily glucose monitoring; and (b) mealtime behaviors. Participants will be randomized to the factorial combination of incentives and health coaching. The intervention will last 6 months. The primary outcome will be reduction in A_1c. Secondary outcomes include self-regulation mechanisms in longitudinal mediation models and engagement metrics as a predictor of outcomes. Participants will complete 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments. We hypothesize greater sustained A_1c improvements in participants who receive coaching and who receive incentives compared to those who do not receive those components.

RESULTS

Data collection is expected to be complete by February 2025. Analyses of primary and secondary outcomes are expected by December 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful completion of these aims will support dissemination and effectiveness studies of this intervention that seeks to improve glycemic control in this high-risk and understudied population of young adults with T1D.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04646473; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04646473.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/27109.

An Intervention to Change Illness Representations and Self-Care of Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Suboptimal self-care by individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health concern. The common-sense model (CSM) proposes that illness representations are associated with coping and health outcomes across various conditions. The present study examined the efficacy of a CSM-based intervention in improving illness representations, self-care, self-care self-efficacy, use of adaptive coping strategies, and glycated hemoglobin among individuals with type 2 DM (T2DM).

METHODS

A two-arm randomized controlled trial was used. A total of 455 T2DM patients were recruited from an outpatient DM clinic and randomized to an intervention group that consisted of five weekly group-based education sessions or a control group that received five weekly educational booklets. Evaluation was conducted at baseline and at 1- and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The 2 × 3 linear mixed-model analysis using a modified intention to treat revealed a significant time by condition interaction effect on level of self-care (F(2,840) = 7.78, p < .001), self-care self-efficacy (F(1.89,794.57) = 14.40, p < .001), and use of adaptive coping strategies (F(1.94,812.93) = 4.75, p = .010) in which participants in the intervention group reported greater improvement in such aspects compared with those in the control group. A significant time effect was observed in some dimensions of illness representations. No significant effect was found in glycated hemoglobin. Participants reported positive feedback to the intervention and perceived improvement in various domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSM-based intervention was effective in improving self-care and coping among DM patients. The intervention also demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability. Findings provided important insights in improving health-related outcomes for patients with T2DM using the CSM framework.

The psychosocial experience and needs of children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from their own perspective: a systematic and narrative review

AIM

To understand the psychosocial experience of children and identify their primary support needs following a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

METHODS

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the literature in this area was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies were included in the review. At diagnosis, the majority of children experienced high distress, including grief, anxiety, anger, irritation and injection anxiety. The intensity of this reaction decreased rapidly over the following weeks. At diagnosis, rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress disorders and suicidal ideation were elevated. The initial reaction tended to peak shortly after diagnosis and declined over the following year. Thereafter, symptoms of depression and anxiety appeared to increase once again, corresponding with the children's experience of diabetes management and implications as being more difficult and upsetting. Injection anxiety, distress and depressive symptoms persisted for a smaller group of children.

CONCLUSION

The initial high prevalence of depressive symptoms following diagnosis is transitional and should be regarded as a normal adaptive response. To facilitate this adaptive process, specific child-centred support should be prioritized as an integrated part of early diabetes care. Our findings point to five inter-related support needs following a type 1 diabetes diagnosis: (1) children need time to adjust to the diagnosis; (2) children need supportive relationships; (3) children need an opportunity for meaningful participation and appropriate protection; (4) children need to engage and explore; and (5) children need to feel supported, but not different.

The Challenges of Being Physically Active: A Qualitative Study of Young People With Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents

BACKGROUND

Benefits of physical activity are well recognized for youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but being active is challenging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the challenges experienced by adolescents, their parents and young adults with T1DM when they are physically active.

METHODS

Six focus groups involving adolescents (13 to 18 years old, n=14) and young adults (19 to 25 years old, n=7) and 4 focus groups with parents (n=14) of the adolescents (13 to 18 years) were established. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Adolescents and young adults with T1DM identified challenges of unpredictability, knowledge, trust and stigma when they were physically active. Parent challenges were specifically unpredictability and trust.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions are needed that provide adolescents and young adults with T1DM and parents of adolescents with T1DM more in-depth information about managing physical activity in a manner that enhances their perceived competence and builds autonomy. Interventions can also target peer and community support.

Small Interventions for Big Change: Brief Strategies for Distress and Self-Management Amongst Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetes self-management and diabetes distress are complex processes implicated in glycemic control and other health outcomes for youth with type 1 diabetes. Growing integration of medical and behavioral care provides opportunities for brief psychosocial interventions during routine diabetes care. This review focuses on interventions for self-management and diabetes distress that can be delivered alongside usual medical care or via a single-patient encounter.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research underscores the potential of brief interventions delivered by both medical providers and integrated behavioral health professionals, but little is known regarding the comparative effectiveness of different interventions or the factors that impact dissemination and implementation. This article asserts that brevity is critical to maximizing the reach, scalability, and impact of psychosocial interventions for youth with type 1 diabetes. The authors review existing evidence for brief interventions, describe several untested clinical strategies, and make recommendations for accelerating the translational study of brief interventions.

An Effective Model of Diabetes Care and Education: Revising the AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors®

PURPOSE

The AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors^® (AADE7) is a robust framework for self-management of diabetes and other related conditions, such as prediabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. It is the position of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) that, at the cornerstone of diabetes self-management education and support, the AADE7 is the framework for achieving behavior change that leads to effective self-management through improved behavior and clinical outcome measures. The AADE7 model guides the health care team in effective person-centered collaboration and goal setting to achieve health-related outcomes and improved quality of life. Continued research and evidence are critical to expand this model and broaden its application to other chronic conditions. Given the advances in the science of diabetes management, as well as in diabetes self-management education and support, AADE has evaluated the AADE7 within the framework of these advances, including the digital and dynamic health care landscape.

CONCLUSION

This revised position statement blends the updates in research and AADE's vision and expansion beyond diabetes to refresh the AADE7 framework. This revision reflects the perspectives of all members of the health care team as they problem solve with individuals who are at risk for or who have diabetes and related conditions to achieve healthier outcomes.

A systematic review examining whether community-based self-management programs for older adults with chronic conditions actively engage participants and teach them patient-oriented self-management strategies

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether community-based Self-Management Programs (SMPs) actively engaged, or taught, individuals patient-oriented strategies; and whether having these attributes led to significant differences in outcomes.

METHODS

This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs)and cluster RCTs reporting on community-based SMPs with a group component for older adults with chronic conditions. The ways SMPS actively engaged participants and whether they taught patient-oriented strategies were analyzed. All study outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

The 31 included studies demonstrated community-based SMP programs actively engaged participants and provided strategies to improve health behaviour or care of their condition. Few included strategies to help manage the impact of conditions on their everyday lives. Seventy-nine percent of studies reported significant differences; variations in sample sizes and outcomes made it difficult to conclude whether having these attributes led to significant differences.

CONCLUSION

SMPs are not supporting older adults to use strategies to address the impact of conditions on their everyday lives, addressing the needs of older adults with multiple conditions, nor assessing outcomes that align with the strategies taught.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Health-care providers delivering SMPs to older adults need to tailor programs to the needs of older adults and assess whether participants are using strategies being proposed.

Attitudes and perceptions towards hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus: A multinational cross-sectional study

Background

Preventing hypoglycaemia is an essential component of diabetes self-management that is affected by patients’ attitudes and perceptions. This study aimed to explore the hypoglycaemia problem-solving ability of patients who have diabetes mellitus and factors that determine their attitudes and perceptions towards their previous events.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and May 2018 in three Arab countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) in patients with diabetes mellitus, who were prescribed antidiabetic therapy and had experienced hypoglycaemic events in the past six months. The Hypoglycaemia Problem-Solving Scale was used in this study. This scale contains two subscales, problem orientation (six questions) and problem-solving skills (eighteen questions), using a five-point Likert scale (range 0–4). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hypoglycaemia problem-solving abilities.

Results

A total of 895 patients participated in this study from the three countries (300 in Jordan, 302 in Saudi Arabia, and 293 in Kuwait). The average age of the patients was 53.5 years (standard deviation = 13.7) and 52.4% (n = 469) were males. Patients had moderate overall problem-solving ability with a median score of 63.00 (interquartile range = 13.00). Patients’ problem-solving skills score (68.1%) was better than their problem-orientation skills score (58.3%). The highest sub-scale scores were for detection control, setting problem-solving goals, and evaluating strategies, 75.0%. The lowest sub-scale score was for problem-solving perception and immediate management, 50.0%. Older age, being educated, being married, having T2DM, prescribed insulin therapy, and not having been admitted to hospital for hypoglycaemia were important predictors of patients’ problem-solving ability (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals are advised to provide more education to patients on how to self-manage hypoglycaemic events. Specifically, they should focus on the overall problem-solving perception of hypoglycaemia and its immediate management.

Factors influencing diabetes self-care practice among type 2 diabetes patients attending diabetic care follow up at an Ethiopian General Hospital, 2018

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a global public health emergency in the twenty-first century. Diabetes patients who had to adhere to good self-care recommendation can prevent the complication associated with diabetes mellitus. Self-care management of diabetes mellitus in Sub-Saharan Africa was poor including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing diabetes self-care practice among type 2 diabetes patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia diabetes clinic follow up unit.

METHODS

An institutional based cross-sectional survey was conducted on systematically sampled 405 type 2 diabetes patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital diabetes clinic from June 02/2018 to June 30/2018. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify independent predictors of diabetes self-care practice. A p value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 385 type 2 diabetes patients participated with a response rate of 95%, of which 243 (63.1%) study participants had good self-care practice. The mean ± SD age of the respondents and the duration of diagnosed for diabetes mellitus was 52.28 ± 12.45 and 5.09 ± 3.80 years respectively. Type 2 diabetes patients who had a glucometer at home (AOR = 7.82 CI (3.24, 18.87)), getting a diabetes education (AOR = 2.65 CI (1.44, 4.89)), and having social support (AOR = 2.72 CI (1.66, 4.47)) were statistically associated with good self-care practice.

CONCLUSION

Despite, the importance of diabetes self-care practice for the management of diabetes and preventing its complications, a significant number of type 2 diabetes patients had poor diabetes self-care practice. So, to enhance this poor practice of diabetes self-care, provision of diabetes self-care education and counseling on self-monitoring blood glucose should be promote by health care providers during their follow up.

Development and Assessment of a Mobile Health Application for Monitoring the Linkage Among Treatment Factors of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: In the daily routine of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the patients deal with many data and consider many variables to perform actions, decisions, and regimen adjustments. There is a need to apply filtering techniques to extract relevant information and provide appropriate data visualization methods to assist in clinical tasks and decision making. Objective: To present Soins DM, a mobile health tool, for monitoring the linkage among treatment factors of T1DM with an interactive data visualization approach. Methods: First, we performed a literature review, a commercial search, and ideation. Next, we created a prototype and an online survey for its feedback, with participation of 76 individuals. Afterward, the mobile app and its website version were built. Eventually, we conducted a pilot experiment with 4 patients, an online experiment for satisfaction assessment with 97 patients, and an online assessment by 9 health professionals. Results: Prototyping and feedback facilitated the design refinement. Soins DM enables the recording of data from routines of glycemia, insulin applications, meals, and physical exercises. From these logs, the app builds two different ways of interactive data visualization, a timeline and an integrated chart, providing personalized feedback on bad glycemia with its possible causes. The assessments revealed overall satisfaction with the app's characteristics. Conclusions: Soins DM is a novel application with interactive visualization and personalized feedback for easy identification of the linkage among treatment factors of T1DM. The test scenario with patients and health professionals indicates Soins DM as a useful and reliable tool.

Interventions for self-management of type 2 diabetes: An integrative review

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been identified as one of the most challenging chronic illnesses to manage. Since the management of diabetes is mainly accomplished by patients and families, self-management has become the mainstay of diabetes care. However, a significant proportion of patients fail to engage in adequate self-management. A priority research question is how do interventions affect the self-management behaviors of persons with Type 2 diabetes?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this integrative review is to provide a summary and critique of interventions that support diabetes self-management in the patient with Type II diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN

An integrative review design, with a comprehensive methodological approach of reviews, allowing inclusion of experimental and non-experimental studies.

PROCEDURES

A comprehensive search was conducted via Ebscohost using databases of Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, PsycArtiCLES, and PsycInfo. The final number of papers used for this review were: motivational interviewing (6), peer support/coaching (10), problem solving therapy (3), technology-based interventions (30), lifestyle modification programs (7), patient education (11), mindfulness (3), and cognitive behavioral therapy (5).

RESULTS

Studies were examined from seventeen countries including a broad range of cultures and ethnicities. While interventions have shown mixed results in all interventional categories, many studies do support small to modest improvements in physiologic, behavioral, and psychological outcome measures. Considerable heterogeneity of interventions exists. The most commonly reported physiologic measure was HbA1c level. Outcome measures were collected mostly at 6 and 12 months. Duration of most research was limited to one year.

CONCLUSIONS

Research exploring the impact of interventions for self-management has made major contributions to the care of persons with type 2 diabetes, from offering suggestions for improving care, to stimulating new questions for research. However, implications for clinical practice remain inconclusive, and limitations in existing research suggest caution in interpreting results of studies.

Emotional and Psychological Needs of People with Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that impacts physical, social and mental including psychological well-being of people living with it. Additionally, psychosocial problems that are most common in diabetes patients often result in serious negative impact on patient's well-being and social life, if left un-addressed. Addressing such psychosocial aspects including cognitive, emotional, behavioral and social factors in the treatment interventions would help overcome the psychological barriers, associated with adherence and self-care for diabetes; the latter being the ultimate goal of management of patients with diabetes. While ample literature on self-management and psychological interventions for diabetes is available, there is limited information on the impact of psychological response and unmanaged emotional distresses on overall health. The current review therefore examines the emotional, psychological needs of the patients with diabetes and emphasizes the role of diabetologist, mental health professionals including clinical psychologists to mitigate the problems faced by these patients. Search was performed using a combination of keywords that cover all relevant terminology for diabetes and associated emotional distress. The psychological reactions experienced by the patient upon diagnosis of diabetes have been reviewed in this article with a focus on typical emotional distress at different levels. Identifying and supporting patients with psychosocial problems early in the course of diabetes may promote psychosocial well-being and improve their ability to adjust or take adequate responsibility in diabetes self-management - the utopian state dreamt of by all diabetologists !.

An Analysis of Diabetes Mobile Applications Features Compared to AADE7™: Addressing Self-Management Behaviors in People With Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes self-management (DSM) applications (apps) have been designed to improve knowledge of diabetes and self-management behaviors. However, few studies have systematically examined if diabetes apps followed the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Self-Care Behaviors^™ guidelines. The purpose of this study was to compare the features of current DSM apps to the AADE7™ guidelines.

METHODS

In two major app stores (iTunes and Google Play), we used three search terms "diabetes," "blood sugar," and "glucose" to capture a wide range of diabetes apps. Apps were excluded based on five exclusion criteria. A multidisciplinary team analyzed and classified the features of each app based on the AADE7^™. We conducted interviews with six diabetes physicians and educators for their opinions on the distribution of the features of DSM apps.

RESULTS

Out of 1050 apps retrieved, 173 apps were identified as eligible during November 2015 and 137 apps during December 2017. We found an unbalanced DSM app development trend based on AADE7^™ guidelines. Many apps were designed to support the behaviors of Healthy Eating (77%), Monitoring (76%), Taking Medication (58%), and Being Active (45%). On the other hand, few apps explored the behaviors of Problem Solving (31%), Healthy Coping (10%), and Reducing Risks (5%). From interviews, we identified the main reasons why only a few apps support the features related to Problem Solving, Healthy Coping, and Reducing Risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Future diabetes apps should attempt to incorporate features under evidence-based guidelines such as AADE7^™ to better support the self-management behavior changes of people with diabetes.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Executive Function Performance in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the study were to examine the current evidence for executive function (EF) performance differences between groups with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and nondiabetic control groups during adolescence and early adulthood and to explore the relationships between EF and diabetes-related risk factors.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature examining EF performance in groups with T1DM was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic database searches for published and unpublished literature yielded a final set of 26 articles after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted on a subset of these articles (n = 17) comparing EF performance in T1DM and control groups, across a total sample size of 1619.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 26 studies found significantly lower EF on at least one task in groups with T1DM. Meta-analyses of the performance difference between T1DM groups and control groups without diabetes showed that inhibition (g = -0.28, p < .001), working memory (g = -0.34, p < .001), set-shifting (g = -0.31, p = .012), and overall EF performance across these domains (g = -0.42, p < .001) were all significantly lower in groups with T1DM. Performance on specific EF domains also seemed to be differentially associated with early age of diabetes onset, chronic hyperglycemia and its complications, and severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

T1DM and its associated risk factors are related to subtle impairments across the inhibition, working memory, and set-shifting domains of EF. Lower EF may be a key factor contributing to behavioral and clinical problems experienced by individuals with T1DM.

Comparing dedicated and designated models of integrating mental health into chronic disease care: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), it is uncertain whether a "dedicated" approach to integrating mental health care (wherein a community health worker (CHW) has the sole responsibility of delivering mental health care) or a "designated" approach (wherein a CHW provides this service in addition to usual responsibilities) is most effective and cost-effective. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these two models of service integration relative to treatment as usual (TAU) for improving mental health and chronic disease outcomes among patients with HIV or diabetes.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a cluster randomised trial. We will randomise 24 primary health care facilities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa to one of three study arms. Within each cluster, we will recruit 25 patients from HIV and 25 from diabetes services for a total sample of 1200 participants. Eligible patients will be aged 18 years or older, take medication for HIV or diabetes, and screen positive on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test for hazardous/harmful alcohol use or depression on the Centre for Epidemiology Scale on Depression. Participants recruited in clinics assigned to the designated or dedicated approach will receive three sessions of motivational interviewing and problem-solving therapy, while those recruited at TAU-assigned clinics will be referred for further assessment. Participants will complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months post-enrolment to assess change in self-reported outcomes. At these end points, we will test HIV RNA viral load for participants with HIV and HbA1c levels for participants with diabetes. Primary outcomes are reductions in self-reported hazardous/harmful alcohol use and risk of depression. Secondary outcomes are improvements in adherence to chronic disease treatment, biomarkers of chronic disease outcomes, and health-related quality of life. Mixed-effect linear regression models will model the effect of the interventions on primary and secondary outcomes. The cost-effectiveness of each approach will be assessed using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

DISCUSSION

Study findings will guide decision-making around how best to integrate mental health counselling into chronic disease care in a LMIC setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, Trial registration number: ACTR201610001825403 . Registered 17 October 2016.

The outcomes of peer-led diabetes education in comparison to education delivered by health professionals in Iranian patients

Education is an important aspect of care for diabetic patients. This study aimed to compare the effect of education by health care provider and peer on self-care behaviors among Iranian patients with diabetes. In this clinical randomized control trial, we enrolled 120 patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to the Diabetes Clinic at a university medical center hospital in an urban area of Iran. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups. Patients in care provider group (CPG) received additional education provided by a nurse, other than routine education in a Diabetes Clinic. Patients in peer education group (PEG) received education given by a peer. Patients in control group (CG) received the routine education in accordance with the usual procedures at the Diabetes Clinic. Data collected at baseline and 12 weeks (3 months) were demographic variables and diabetes self-care activities. Self-care behaviors post intervention differed significantly by group; PEG patients demonstrated the greatest improvement. CG patients' self-care behaviors did not change significantly and were significantly lower than scores by CPG and PEG patients. In line with the World Health Organization recommendations, future studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of peer-led education among diabetic patients in the Iranian culture.

Do health information technology self-management interventions improve glycemic control in medically underserved adults with diabetes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effect of health information technology (HIT) diabetes self-management education (DSME) interventions on glycemic control in medically underserved patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following an a priori protocol, 5 databases were searched. Studies were appraised for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment. Studies reporting either hemoglobin A1c pre- and post-intervention or its change at 6 or 12 months were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis using random effects models.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies met the criteria for the systematic review and 10 for the meta-analysis and represent data from 3257 adults with diabetes (mean age 55 years; 66% female; 74% racial/ethnic minorities). Most studies ( n  = 10) reflected an unclear risk of bias. Interventions varied by HIT type: computer software without Internet ( n  = 2), cellular/automated telephone ( n  = 4), Internet-based ( n  = 4), and telemedicine/telehealth ( n  = 3). Pooled A1c decreases were found at 6 months (-0.36 (95% CI, -0.53 and -0.19]; I 2  = 35.1%, Q  = 5.0), with diminishing effect at 12 months (-0.27 [95% CI, -0.49 and -0.04]; I 2  = 42.4%, Q  = 10.4).

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest that medically underserved patients with diabetes achieve glycemic benefit following HIT DSME interventions, with dissipating but significant effects at 12 months. Telemedicine/telehealth interventions were the most successful HIT type because they incorporated interaction with educators similar to in-person DSME.

CONCLUSION

These results are similar to in-person DSME in medically underserved patients, showing that well-designed HIT DSME has the potential to increase access and improve outcomes for this vulnerable group.

The effect of guided self-determination on self-management in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus and HbA1c ≥64 mmol/mol: a group-based randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the impact of guided self-determination (GSD) applied in group training (GSD-GT) in people with chronically elevated HbA_1c and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) was superior to 'care as usual' in improving HbA_1c and psychological functioning.

SETTING

An outpatient clinic at a university hospital in Western Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 178 adults (all Caucasian) aged 18-55 (mean age 36.7±10.7, 62% women) with type 1 DM for at least 1 year and HbA_1c ≥64 mmol/mol (8.0%) were randomly assigned to participate in either GSD-GT or a control group (CG). Exclusion criteria were severe comorbidity, major psychiatric disorder, cognitive deficiency/language barriers and pregnancy.

INTERVENTION

Intervention group met seven times for 2 hours over 14 weeks to promote patient autonomy and intrinsic motivation using reflection sheets and advanced professional communication in accordance with the GSD methodology.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was HbA_1c and secondary outcomes (all outcomes 9 months post intervention) were self-monitored blood glucose frequency, self-reported diabetes competence, autonomy support by healthcare providers (Health Care Climate Questionnaire), autonomous versus controlled diabetes motivation (Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire), diabetes distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes Scale (PAID) and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS)), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and psychological well-being (World Health Organization five-item Well-Being Index scale).

RESULTS

Among participants allocated to the GSD-GT (=90) 48 completed the study, whereas 83 completed in the CG (n=88). With 95% CIs GSD-GT did not have effect on HbA_1c (B -0.18, CI (-0.48, 0.12), p=0.234). GSD-GT improved autonomy-motivated behaviour (B 0.51, CI (0.25, 0.77), p<0.001), diabetes distress (PAID, B -6.96, CI (-11.40, -2.52), p=0.002), total DDS (B -5.15, CI (-9.34, -0.96), p=0.016), DDS emotional burden (B -7.19, CI (-13.20, -1.19), p=0.019) and self-esteem (B 1.43, CI (0.34, 2.52), p=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this behavioural intervention must be interpreted cautiously because of recruitment and attrition problems. Medical outcomes did not improve. Psychological outcomes improved, especially reduced diabetes distress.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Trials.gov NCT 01317459.

Diabetes coaching for individuals with type 2 diabetes: A state-of-the-science review and rationale for a coaching model

Diabetes coaching is emerging as an important role in self-management and care. The conceptualization of coaching, and how to implement and evaluate coaching has not been articulated in the literature. The aim of the study was to review the literature to: (i) identify the components of coaching using a validated framework, including the description of the role of technology; (ii) describe the implementation and evaluation measures for diabetes coaching; and (iii) propose a diabetes coaching model for future implementation. The EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from inception to January 2015. Two evaluators independently screened and extracted data from eligible studies for descriptions of coaching. Eight trials met the selection criteria, with no consistency in the core components of coaching. However, elements noted across all studies included goal setting, diabetes knowledge acquisition, individualized care, and frequent follow-up. Only two studies leveraged technology for coaching communication purposes. Diabetes coaching is an intervention that can support the ongoing and complex needs of patients; however, implementation and evaluation strategies are limited in the literature. A diabetes coaching model is presented, derived from components identified throughout the literature with direction for implementation and evaluation approaches, and optimal integration into the healthcare system.

Strategies for Sustained Weight Management: Perspectives From African American Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify effective strategies for sustained weight management used by African American patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Methods In this study, nominal group technique was used to identify effective strategies for weight management used by 12 African Americans with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes who successfully lost or maintained their weight after completing DECIDE (Decision-making Education for Choices In Diabetes Everyday), a 9-module, literacy-adapted diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) education and problem-solving training program. Results Participants generated a list of 101 strategies that covered 4 domains: nutrition, physical activity, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and other. Self-monitoring and relying on social support were the top 2 strategies for weight maintenance. Conclusion Future obesity studies should consider including friends/family as well as electronic tools to facilitate self-monitoring and regular practice of behavioral strategies for long-term success.

Diabetes Device Use in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Barriers to Uptake and Potential Intervention Targets

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes devices (insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors [CGMs]) are associated with benefits for glycemic control, yet uptake of these devices continues to be low. Some barriers to device uptake may be modifiable through psychosocial intervention, but little is known about which barriers and which patients to target.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We surveyed 1,503 adult T1D Exchange participants (mean age 35.3 [SD 14.8] years, mean diagnosis duration 20.4 [SD 12.5] years) to investigate barriers to device uptake, understand profiles of device users versus nonusers, and explore differences by age and sex. Scales used were the Diabetes Distress Scale, Technology Use Attitudes (General and Diabetes-Specific), and Barriers to Device Use and Reasons for Discontinuing Devices.

RESULTS

Most commonly endorsed modifiable barriers were related to the hassle of wearing devices (47%) and disliking devices on one's body (35%). CGM users (37%) were older than nonusers (mean 38.3 vs. 33.5 years), had diabetes for longer (22.9 vs. 18.8 years), had more positive technology attitudes (22.6-26.0 vs. 21.4-24.8), and reported fewer barriers to using diabetes technology than nonusers (3.3 vs. 4.3). The youngest age-group (18-25 years) had the lowest CGM (26% vs. 40-48%) and insulin pump (64% vs. 69-77%) uptake, highest diabetes distress (2.2 vs. 1.8-2.1), and highest HbA_1c levels (8.3% [67 mmol/mol] vs. 7.2-7.4% [55-57 mmol/mol]).

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to increase device use need to target physical barriers to wearing devices. Because young adults had the lowest device uptake rates, highest distress, and highest HbA_1c compared with older age-groups, they should be the focus of future interventions to increase device use.

Diabetes Is Devastating, and Insulin Is a Death Sentence: Provider Perspectives of Diabetes Self-Management in Arab-American Patients

IN BRIEF The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine providers' perspectives on cultural barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management (DSM) in Arab Americans to identify factors to enhance DSM education in the Arab-American community. The main barriers to DSM from the providers' perspective were the disease itself and patients' denial or refusal to recognize it, reflecting the stigma of the disease. Cultural aspects also included overlapping themes that both facilitated and presented barriers to DSM. These results suggest that DSM education for Arab Americans will be most effective if developed and delivered in a manner consistent with the cultural facilitators and barriers noted by providers.

Psychological conditions in adults with diabetes

Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represent a demanding set of biopsychosocial challenges for patients and their families, whether the age of disease onset occurs in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Psychological conditions, defined as syndromes, disorders, and diabetes-specific psychological issues affect a larger proportion of individuals with T1D and T2D compared to the general population. In this review, we summarize the prevalence, impact and psychological treatments associated with the primary categories of psychological conditions that affect adults with T1D and T2D: depressive symptoms and syndromes, anxiety disorders, eating behaviors and disorders and serious mental illness. The implications of the literature for psychologists are discussed, and priorities for future research to advance the science of psychological conditions for adults with T1D and T2D are identified. (PsycINFO Database Record

Self-management in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: strategies, outcomes, and integration into clinical care

Self-management, including medication adherence, is associated with improved health and outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The concept of self-management is complex, but can be divided into those aspects that involve the individual patient, those that involve the provider–patient relationship, and those that encompass the social environment. At the individual level, enhancing problem-solving skills and self-efficacy have both been shown to improve self-management tasks, particularly adherence to treatment. However, it is critical to consider these domains from a lifespan perspective because these processes by which self-management can be improved are distinct for children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. A particular emphasis is placed on strategies to improve self-management of older adolescents and young adults as they transition from pediatric to adult providers. The review concludes with recommendations for providers, including rationale and techniques for assessing and promoting patient self-efficacy, encouraging the development of problem-solving skills, improving the patient–provider relationship, and enhancing social support. Providers are encouraged to utilize elements of problem-solving skills training, engage in collaborative relationships with their patients, and offer their patients recommendations for how to increase the quality of their social support networks as ways of increasing overall self-management.

Evaluating Diabetes Educational Interventions With a Skill Development Component in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review Focusing on Quality of Life

PURPOSE

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) may have reduced quality of life (QOL) when compared with their peers. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education (DSME) interventions with a skills development component on the QOL of adolescents with T1DM.

METHODS

Six databases were systematically searched for studies on the QOL outcomes of DSME interventions for adolescents with T1DM. Fourteen studies published between 1994 and 2014 met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 14 studies, only 4 had significant QOL outcomes for the intervention participants. Successful DSME interventions had indirect behavioral skills foci or a combination of indirect and direct behavioral skills foci and a duration ≥2 months.

CONCLUSION

This review provides evidence that educational interventions with an indirect behavioral skills development that facilitates diabetes management may improve QOL among adolescents with T1DM. Structured interventions targeting adolescents' QOL are needed to determine which are most effective in improving QOL. Adolescents with T1DM should be routinely screened and monitored for low QOL and referred to QOL-improving interventions.

Development and validation of the hypoglycaemia problem-solving scale for people with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To develop and psychometrically test a new instrument, the hypoglycaemia problem-solving scale (HPSS), which was designed to measure how well people with diabetes mellitus manage their hypoglycaemia-related problems.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey design approach was used to validate the performance assessment instrument. Patients who had a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least 1 year, who were being treated with insulin and who had experienced at least one hypoglycaemic episode within the previous 6 months were eligible for inclusion in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 313 patients were included in the study. The initial draft of the HPSS included 28 items. After exploratory factor analysis, the 24-item HPSS consisted of seven factors: problem-solving perception, detection control, identifying problem attributes, setting problem-solving goals, seeking preventive strategies, evaluating strategies, and immediate management. The Cronbach's α for the total HPSS was 0.83.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPSS was verified as being valid and reliable. Future studies should further test and improve the instrument to increase its effectiveness in helping people with diabetes manage their hypoglycaemia-related problems.

Depression remission, receipt of problem-solving therapy, and self-care behavior frequency among low-income, predominantly Hispanic diabetes patients

OBJECTIVE

This study explored whether depression remission and problem-solving therapy (PST) receipt are associated with more frequent self-care behaviors via cross-sectional and prospective analyses.

METHOD

We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial (N=387) that tested collaborative depression care among predominantly Hispanic patients with diabetes in safety-net clinics. Data at 12-month follow-up, measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-20, were used to define depression remission. PST was provided by a bilingual social worker. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine associations between predictors and frequency change of each self-care behavior (healthy diet, exercise, self-blood glucose monitoring, and foot care between baseline and 12-month (N=281), 18-month (N=249), and 24-month (N=235) follow-up surveys.

RESULTS

Inconsistent relationships were observed depending on the instrument to identify depression remission, type of self-care behaviors, and time when self-care behavior was measured. Significant associations were more likely to be observed in cross-sectional analyses. PST receipt was not associated with self-care behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression remission or the receipt of PST may not be a reliable antecedent for more frequent self-care behaviors among this group. A few recommendations for studies were offered to enhance existing depression care for diabetes patients.

Telephone Intervention to Improve Diabetes Control: A Randomized Trial in the New York City A1c Registry

INTRODUCTION

Scalable self-management interventions are necessary to address suboptimal diabetes control, especially among minority populations. The study tested the effectiveness of a telephone behavioral intervention in improving glycemic control among adults with diabetes in the New York City A1c Registry.

DESIGN

RCT comparing a telephone intervention to print-only intervention in the context of the A1c Registry program.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Nine hundred forty-one adults with diabetes and hemoglobin A1c (A1c) >7% from a low-income, predominantly Latino population in the South Bronx were recruited from the A1c Registry.

INTERVENTION

All study participants were mailed print diabetes self-management materials at baseline and modest lifestyle incentives quarterly. Only the telephone participants received four calls from health educators evenly spaced over 1 year if baseline A1c was >7%-9%, or eight calls if baseline A1c was >9%. Medication adherence was the main behavioral focus and, secondarily, nutrition and exercise.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was difference between two study arms in change in A1c from baseline to 1 year. Secondary outcomes included diabetes self-care activities, including self-reported medication adherence. Data were collected in 2008-2012 and analyzed in 2012-2014.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly Latino (67.7%) or non-Latino black (28%), with 69.7% foreign-born and 55.1% Spanish-speaking. Among 694 (74%) participants with follow-up A1c, mean A1c decreased by 0.9 (SD=0.1) among the telephone group compared with 0.5 (SD=0.1) among the print-only group, a difference of 0.4 (95% CI=0.09, 0.74, p=0.01). The intervention had significant effect when baseline A1c was >9%. Both groups experienced similar improvements in self-care activities, medication adherence, and intensification.

CONCLUSIONS

A telephone intervention delivered by health educators can be a clinically effective tool to improve diabetes control in diverse populations, specifically for those with worse metabolic control identified using a registry. This public health approach could be adopted by health systems supported by electronic record capabilities. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV REGISTRATION

NCT00797888.

Participatory approach to the development of a knowledge base for problem-solving in diabetes self-management

OBJECTIVE

To develop an expandable knowledge base of reusable knowledge related to self-management of diabetes that can be used as a foundation for patient-centric decision support tools.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The structure and components of the knowledge base were created in participatory design with academic diabetes educators using knowledge acquisition methods. The knowledge base was validated using scenario-based approach with practicing diabetes educators and individuals with diabetes recruited from Community Health Centers (CHCs) serving economically disadvantaged communities and ethnic minorities in New York.

RESULTS

The knowledge base includes eight glycemic control problems, over 150 behaviors known to contribute to these problems coupled with contextual explanations, and over 200 specific action-oriented self-management goals for correcting problematic behaviors, with corresponding motivational messages. The validation of the knowledge base suggested high level of completeness and accuracy, and identified improvements in cultural appropriateness. These were addressed in new iterations of the knowledge base.

DISCUSSION

The resulting knowledge base is theoretically grounded, incorporates practical and evidence-based knowledge used by diabetes educators in practice settings, and allows for personally meaningful choices by individuals with diabetes. Participatory design approach helped researchers to capture implicit knowledge of practicing diabetes educators and make it explicit and reusable.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge base proposed here is an important step towards development of new generation patient-centric decision support tools for facilitating chronic disease self-management. While this knowledge base specifically targets diabetes, its overall structure and composition can be generalized to other chronic conditions.

Adesão ao tratamento do diabetes mellitus e variáveis sociodemográficas, clinicas e de controle metabólico

Objetivo Investigar a associação entre a adesão ao tratamento da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de controle metabólico. Métodos Estudo transversal que incluiu 417 pacientes com diabetes mellitus. O instrumento de pesquisa foi um questionário contendo as variáveis do estudo; Medida de Adesão ao tratamento; Questionário de Frequência de Consumo Alimentar e Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o Teste Exato de Fisher. Resultados Cerca de 98,3% apresentaram não adesão ao plano alimentar, 41,9% à atividade física e 15,8% ao tratamento medicamentoso. Conclusão Não houve associação entre a adesão ao tratamento da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e o sexo, idade, anos de estudo, tempo de diagnóstico e as variáveis de controle metabólico.

Technology Use for Diabetes Problem Solving in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Relationship to Glycemic Control

BACKGROUND

This study examines technology use for problem solving in diabetes and its relationship to hemoglobin A1C (A1C).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A sample of 112 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed measures assessing use of technologies for diabetes problem solving, including mobile applications, social technologies, and glucose software. Hierarchical regression was performed to identify the contribution of a new nine-item Technology Use for Problem Solving in Type 1 Diabetes (TUPS) scale to A1C, considering known clinical contributors to A1C.

RESULTS

Mean age for the sample was 14.5 (SD 1.7) years, mean A1C was 8.9% (SD 1.8%), 50% were female, and diabetes duration was 5.5 (SD 3.5) years. Cronbach's α reliability for TUPS was 0.78. In regression analyses, variables significantly associated with A1C were the socioeconomic status (β = -0.26, P < 0.01), Diabetes Adolescent Problem Solving Questionnaire (β = -0.26, P = 0.01), and TUPS (β = 0.26, P = 0.01). Aside from the Diabetes Self-Care Inventory--Revised, each block added significantly to the model R(2). The final model R(2) was 0.22 for modeling A1C (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate a counterintuitive relationship between higher use of technologies for problem solving and higher A1C. Adolescents with poorer glycemic control may use technology in a reactive, as opposed to preventive, manner. Better understanding of the nature of technology use for self-management over time is needed to guide the development of technology-mediated problem solving tools for youth with type 1 diabetes.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of stroke self-management programs for improving function and participation outcomes: self-management programs for stroke survivors

PURPOSE

A systematic review of stroke self-management programs was conducted to: (i) identify how many and what self-management support strategies were included in stroke self-management interventions and (ii) describe whether self-management programs effectively improved outcomes, focusing specifically on function and participation outcomes.

METHODS

Twelve databases were searched for the years 1986-2012 to identify self-management programs for stroke survivors. Pre-post, quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trial study designs were included. Descriptive information about the intervention was scrutinized to identify what self-management support strategies were present in the intervention and comparisons were made between programs using a group versus a one-to-one format. All outcomes were included and categorized.

RESULTS

The most prominent strategies identified in our review were goal setting and follow-up, and an individualized approach using structured information and professional support. There are indications that self-management programs can significantly increase participation and functional ability. However, the high level of clinical heterogeneity in program delivery, outcomes and level of stroke severity made it impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. Further examination of individual self-management support strategies, such as linking rehabilitation goal setting to post-acute self-management programs, the inclusion of family members and the contribution of peer-support is warranted.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

Self-management programs for stroke survivors. Linking post-acute self-management programs to rehabilitation goal setting could improve outcomes. Involving family members in self-management programs may benefit stroke survivors.

Measuring health-related problem solving among African Americans with multiple chronic conditions: application of Rasch analysis

Identification of patients with poor chronic disease self-management skills can facilitate treatment planning, determine effectiveness of interventions, and reduce disease complications. This paper describes the use of a Rasch model, the Rating Scale Model, to examine psychometric properties of the 50-item Health Problem-Solving Scale (HPSS) among 320 African American patients with high risk for cardiovascular disease. Items on the positive/effective HPSS subscales targeted patients at low, moderate, and high levels of positive/effective problem solving, whereas items on the negative/ineffective problem solving subscales mostly targeted those at moderate or high levels of ineffective problem solving. Validity was examined by correlating factor scores on the measure with clinical and behavioral measures. Items on the HPSS show promise in the ability to assess health-related problem solving among high risk patients. However, further revisions of the scale are needed to increase its usability and validity with large, diverse patient populations in the future.

Adolescent self-regulation as a foundation for chronic illness self-management

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate adolescent self-regulation as a foundation for both individual and interpersonal processes in adolescent chronic illness self-management.

METHOD

Literature review.

RESULTS

Research has identified multiple individual (e.g., self-efficacy, coping, and adherence) and interpersonal factors (parental monitoring and friend support) that are sources of risk and resilience to adolescent chronic illness self-management. In this article, we highlight literature consistent with the idea that self-regulation (including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral regulation) underlies both individual and interpersonal sources of risk and resilience across development.

CONCLUSIONS

This self-regulation approach has multiple benefits: A parsimonious construct for explaining both individual and interpersonal processes that contribute to risk and resilience for chronic illness self-management, the incorporation of methods used in developmental and health psychology research, including performance-based, physiological, daily, and ecological momentary assessment, and a new look to interventions that target self-regulation as a way to improve individual and interpersonal processes in chronic illness self-management.

Audit of healthy lifestyle behaviors among patients with diabetes and hypertension attending ambulatory health care services in the United Arab Emirates

Background:

Knowledge is limited on healthy lifestyle behaviors and their associations with glycemic and blood pressure control among patients with diabetes and hypertension in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Objective:

To examine healthy lifestyle behaviors and their associations with glycemic and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension and diabetes, and improvement after the implementation of an intervention in a Chronic Disease Program.

Subjects:

All patients with diabetes or hypertension attending seven primary health care centers in Al Ain, UAE during a designated three-week period in July and August 2009.

Method:

Nurses conducted an audit of patients’ adherence to health lifestyle behaviors related to meal planning, smoking, exercise, blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring at home, and foot and eye exams in the Chronic Disease Program clinics after a self-management intervention. A perceived knowledge score and discussion scores (based on the frequency the patients discuss diabetes and hypertension management issues with their providers) were calculated. Data were analyzed using linear regression and odds ratios.

Results:

Patients reported acceptable rates of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, including a low smoking rate (6% in males), following a meal plan and exercising (88.6% and 78.7%, respectively). Among patients with diabetes, 59% tested their blood glucose levels at least once a week compared to only 15.3% of those with hypertension monitoring their blood pressure levels at home. Only 33% of the participants were following the current physical activity recommendations. Healthy lifestyle behaviors fell into the following clusters: meal planning with exercise (odds ratio (OR): 8.9 [3.3–23.7]), meal planning with foot exams (OR: 10.6 [3.4–32.9]) and exercising and foot exams (OR: 5.2 [1.9–14.2]).

Conclusion:

This practice-based audit provides an essential assessment for future interventions to improve adherence to healthy life style behaviors among patients with diabetes and hypertension attending primary health clinics in the UAE.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a problem-solving intervention addressing barriers to cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors in 3 underserved populations: Colorado, North Carolina, West Virginia, 2009

INTRODUCTION

In low-income and underserved populations, financial hardship and multiple competing roles and responsibilities lead to difficulties in lifestyle change for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. To improve CVD prevention behaviors, we adapted, pilot-tested, and evaluated a problem-solving intervention designed to address barriers to lifestyle change.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 81 participants from 3 underserved populations, including 28 Hispanic or non-Hispanic white women in a western community (site 1), 31 African-American women in a semirural southern community (site 2), and 22 adults in an Appalachian community (site 3). Incorporating focus group findings, we assessed a standardized intervention involving 6-to-8 week group sessions devoted to problem-solving in the fall of 2009.

RESULTS

Most sessions were attended by 76.5% of participants, demonstrating participant adoption and engagement. The intervention resulted in significant improvement in problem-solving skills (P < .001) and perceived stress (P < .05). Diet, physical activity, and weight remained stable, although 72% of individuals reported maintenance or increase in daily fruit and vegetable intake, and 67% reported maintenance or increase in daily physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Study results suggest the intervention was acceptable to rural, underserved populations and effective in training them in problem-solving skills and stress management for CVD risk reduction.