Chronic disease self-management education courses: utilization by low-income, middle-aged participants

Understanding barriers to participation in group chronic disease self-management (CDSM) programs: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that influence enrollment in and attendance of chronic disease self-management (CDSM) group programs.

METHODS

A scoping review of peer-reviewed publications that reported on factors of enrollment or attendance in group CDSM programs for adults with any type of chronic condition. Screening was completed by two reviewers and data extraction was checked for accuracy. Data were summarized and key themes were identified in collaboration with the study team.

RESULTS

Following screening, 52 of 2774 articles were included. Attendance rates that varied from 10.4-98.5% (mean =72.5%). There is considerable overlap between enrollment and attendance factors. These included Competing Commitments, Logistics, Personal characteristics, Perception of illness/health status, Health service provision, and Group dynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

Varied and individualized factors can facilitate or impede enrollment or attendance in group CDSM programs. Consideration of these factors and tailoring of programs is needed to facilitate patient ability to take part. Participatory co-design is a growing approach to ensure programs meet individual and community needs. More research is needed to identify the specific impact of using codesign on enrollment and attendance in group CDSM programs.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Including community members and service users in design and implementation may enhance CDSM program access.

A Digital Self-management Program (Help to Overcome Problems Effectively) for People Living With Cancer: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

We present the results of a feasibility, randomized waitlist control group (CG) parallel design study with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants were randomized into an intervention group (IG) or a waitlist CG. The intervention was a 6-week digital self-management program, Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE), for people with cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test the feasibility of a digitally delivered self-management program for people with cancer. This will inform the design of a definitive randomized controlled trial. In addition, a preliminary assessment of the impact of the HOPE program via secondary outcomes will be used to assess signals of efficacy in a trial context.

METHODS

Participants were drawn from an opportunity sample, referred by Macmillan Cancer Support, and were invited via email to participate in the study (N=61). Primary outcomes were rates of recruitment, retention, follow-up, completion and adherence, sample size and effect size estimation, and assessment of progression criteria for a definitive trial. Secondary outcomes were self-report measures of participants' positive mental well-being, depression, anxiety, and patient activation (ie, confidence in managing their cancer). The intervention and data collection took place on the web.

RESULTS

The recruitment rate was 77% (47/61). A total of 41 participants completed the baseline questionnaires and were randomized to either the IG (n=21) or the waitlist CG (n=20). The retention rate (attending all program sessions) was greater than 50% (all: 21/41, 51%, IG: 10/21, 48%; and CG: 11/20, 55%). The follow-up rate (completing all questionnaires) was greater than 80% (all: 33/41, 80%; IG: 16/21, 76%; and CG: 17/20, 85%). The completion rate (attending ≥3 sessions and completing all questionnaires) was greater than 60% (all: 25/41, 61%; IG: 13/21, 62%; and CG: 12/20, 60%). Engagement data showed that participants viewed between half (5.1/10, 51%) and three-quarters (12.2/16, 76%) of the pages in each session.

CONCLUSIONS

All progression criteria for a definitive trial were met, as supported by the primary outcome data. The IG showed improved postprogram scores on measures of positive mental well-being, depression, anxiety, and patient activation. A full-scale trial of the digital HOPE program for people with cancer will allow us to fully evaluate the efficacy of the intervention relative to a CG.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN79623250; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN79623250.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/24264.

Achieving Population Health Impacts Through Health Promotion Programs Offered by Community-based Organizations

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based health promotion programs can help older adults manage chronic conditions and address behavioral risk factors, and translating these interventions to population-scale impact depends on reaching people outside of clinical settings. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have emerged as important delivery sites for health promotion programs, but the impacts of their expanded role in delivering these interventions remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to test whether evidence-based health promotion programs implemented by AAAs from 2008 to 2016 influenced health care use and spending by older adults and to examine how agencies' organizational capacity for implementation influenced these population-level impacts.

RESEARCH DESIGN

We used panel regression models to examine how the expansion of health promotion programs offered by AAAs over the course of 2008-2016 was associated with a change in health care use and spending by older adults in counties served by the AAAs. We examined impact separately for high capacity and low capacity agencies.

RESULTS

Across the full sample of AAAs, beginning to offer any health promotion program in the AAA was associated a with 0.94% percentage point reduction in potentially avoidable nursing home use in counties covered by the AAA (95% confidence interval=-1.58, -0.29), equivalent to a 6.5% change. Expanding the breadth of programs offered by the AAA was also associated with a significant reduction in potentially avoidable nursing home use. Stratified analysis showed that reductions in potentially avoidable nursing home use were evident only in places where the AAA had high implementation capacity. Expansion of health promotion programs offered by AAAs was not associated with the change in county-level hospital readmission rates, ambulatory care sensitive hospitalizations, or Medicare spending per beneficiary.

CONCLUSIONS

AAAs are an example of community-based organizations that can contribute to health care policy goals such as cost containment. Organizational development support may be needed to extend their ability to effect change in more regions of the country.

Communication Cues and Engagement Behavior: Identifying Advertisement Strategies to Attract Middle-Aged Adults to a Study of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

INTRODUCTION

Low- and middle-income, middle-aged adults have high rates of disease and death from chronic disease, yet their participation in self-management programs is low. This may be because advertisements for such programs often target elderly, predominantly white, affluent adults. Our study used data from a parent randomized controlled trial to identify theoretically driven advertisement cues to engage low- and middle-income, middle-aged adults in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP).

METHODS

A framework that combined the Elaboration Likelihood Model and Protection Motivation Theory was used to guide χ2 and regression analyses to assess relationships between advertisement cue preferences and 5 stages of cognitive engagement (cue processing, cognitive appraisal of the advertised study, motivation to enroll) and behavioral engagement of study participants (enrollment and program participation).

RESULTS

One advertisement cue (taking control of one's future) and 1 cue combination (financial security and taking control of one's future) were significantly associated with study enrollment, as were motivation to enroll and cue processing.

CONCLUSION

These results can inform CDSMP recruitment efforts to better engage low- and middle-income, middle-aged adults in an effort to mitigate the disproportionate burden of chronic disease in this population.

Help to Overcome Problems Effectively for Cancer Survivors: Development and Evaluation of a Digital Self-Management Program

Background

People living with cancer face numerous psychosocial challenges, including cancer-related fatigue, fear of recurrence, and depression. There is a lack of digital interventions tailored to the needs of people living with all types of cancer. We developed a 6-week, digital, peer-delivered, self-management program: iHOPE (Help to Overcome Problems Effectively; where ‘i’ indicates the digital version of the program). The program is underpinned by positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet these psychosocial challenges.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the iHOPE program among people living with cancer. Program adherence and satisfaction along with changes in psychological distress and positive well-being were measured.

Methods

A pre-post, acceptability, and feasibility design was used. People living with cancer (N=114) were recruited via a national cancer charity in the United Kingdom and were given access to the iHOPE program. Demographic and other participant characteristics were recorded. Participants completed digital measures at baseline and the end of the 6-week program for depression, anxiety, cancer-related fatigue, cancer worry or fear of cancer recurrence, positive mental well-being, hope, gratitude, and health status. The website’s system recorded data on the usage of the program. Satisfaction with the program was also measured.

Results

A total of 114 participants completed the baseline questionnaires. Of these, 70 people (61.4%) participated in all 6 sessions. The mean number of sessions undertaken was 5.0 (SD 1.5). Moreover, 44.7% (51/114) of participants completed at least three sessions and end-of-program outcome measures. A total of 59 participants completed the satisfaction questionnaire, where ≥90% (54/58) of participants reported that the program was easy to navigate and was well managed by the peer facilitators, and that they found the social networking tools useful. Preliminary efficacy testing among the 51 participants who completed baseline and postprogram outcome measures showed that postprogram scores decreased for depression, anxiety, cancer-related fatigue, and fear of recurrence (all P<.001) and increased for positive mental well-being (P<.001), hope (both P<.001), and gratitude (P=.02).

Conclusions

The feasibility evidence is promising, showing that the peer-delivered digital iHOPE program is acceptable and practical. Implementation of the iHOPE program on a wider scale will incorporate further research and development to maximize the completion rates of the measures. Initial effectiveness data suggest positive impacts on important cancer-related quality of life and mental well-being outcomes. A randomized controlled trial design with a longer follow-up is needed to confirm the potential of the iHOPE program for improving mental and physical health outcomes for cancer survivors.

What impact do chronic disease self-management support interventions have on health inequity gaps related to socioeconomic status: a systematic review

Background

The social gradient in chronic disease (CD) is well-documented, and the ability to effectively self-manage is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality from CD. This systematic review aimed to assess the moderating effect of socioeconomic status on self-management support (SMS) interventions in relation to participation, retention and post-intervention outcomes.

Methods

Six databases were searched for studies of any design published until December 2018. Eligible studies reported on outcomes from SMS interventions for adults with chronic disease, where socioeconomic status was recorded and a between-groups comparison on SES was made. Possible outcomes were participation rates, retention rates and clinical or behavioural post-intervention results.

Results

Nineteen studies were retrieved, including five studies on participation, five on attrition and nine studies reporting on outcomes following SMS intervention. All participation studies reported reduced engagement in low SES cohorts. Studies assessing retention and post-intervention outcomes had variable results, related to the diversity of interventions. A reduction in health disparity was seen in longer interventions that were individually tailored. Most studies did not provide a theoretical justification for the intervention being investigated, although four studies referred to Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy.

Conclusions

The limited research suggests that socioeconomic status does moderate the efficacy of SMS interventions, such that without careful tailoring and direct targeting of barriers to self-management, SMS may exacerbate the social gradient in chronic disease outcomes. Screening for patient disadvantage or workload, rather than simply recording SES, may increase the chances of tailored interventions being directed to those most likely to benefit from them. Future interventions for low SES populations should consider focussing more on treatment burden and patient capacity.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration CRD42019124760. Registration date 17/4/19.

Promoting self-efficacy in patients with chronic disease beyond traditional education: A literature review

Aim

To examine barriers to self-efficacy and strategies beyond traditional education that promote self-efficacy for patients living with chronic disease. The review questions were as follows: (a) What are barriers to self-efficacy in patients experiencing chronic disease? and (b) What non-traditional strategies and programmes can be implemented by healthcare leaders to promote self-efficacy in patients with chronic disease?

Design

Integrative review.

Method

Data sources searched were CINAHL, Google Scholar, Health Source, Academic Search Complete and PsycARTICLES published between January 2014-January 2018. Synthesis and thematic analyses were conducted on 24 articles.

Results

Three themes were identified as barriers to self-efficacy: health literacy, access and support. Four prominent strategies were found to promote self-efficacy: self-management programmes, telehealth, mobile applications, gaming and social media. The findings indicate self-efficacy for patients with chronic conditions can improve with new interventions. Enhancing traditional education and boosting self-efficacy could increase treatment adherence and decrease cost.

Impact of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Psychological Distress and Health Outcomes Among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos With Diabetes

PURPOSE

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) is an effective strategy to improve health outcomes. However, little is known about the impact of formal DSME/S on psychological distress among minority populations. The study purposes were to 1) explore the impact of a culturally tailored DSME/S intervention on psychological distress and diabetes-related outcomes among African-American and Hispanic/Latino participants and 2) examine differences across groups in self-care, self-efficacy, diabetes knowledge, and psychological distress.

METHODS

Using a pre- and post-test research design, baseline and post-test assessments were conducted at weeks 1 and 7 of the intervention, respectively. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics for demographic variables and four outcomes (self-care, self-efficacy, knowledge, and psychological distress score), general linear regression analysis of the post-test outcomes, and the Spearman correlation between psychological distress score and the outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared to African-American participants (n = 122), Hispanic/Latino participants (n = 137) were significantly younger and less educated. The two groups were comparable in sex, income, and health status. Significant pre- to post-test improvements were seen in each group for self-care, self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Diabetes knowledge had moderate improvement. Hispanics/Latinos had significantly greater post-test self-efficacy and self-care scores compared to African Americans. For both African-American and Hispanic/Latino participants, lower psychological distress scores were generally associated with greater self-efficacy and self-care. Psychological distress scores were not significantly associated with knowledge in African-Amerian or Hispanic/Latino participants. For African Americans only, better health status was significantly associated with less psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

DSME/S programs have the potential to improve psychological health among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos, which can lead to better diabetes outcomes.

Participation of lower-to-middle wage workers in a study of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) effectiveness: Implications for reducing chronic disease burden among racial and ethnic minority populations

BACKGROUND

Although the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) improves chronic disease outcomes, little is known about CDSMP participation in populations less than 65 years of age. We explore study and CDSMP participation rates by demographic characteristics with younger (40-64 years old), lower-to-middle wage workers with chronic disease in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted in North Carolina.

METHODS

Descriptive statistics and regression models were used to examine associations between demographic, chronic disease burden, and employment variables, and time-dependent study enrollment and intervention participation outcomes that ranged from initiating consent (n = 1,067) to CDSMP completion (n = 41).

RESULTS

Overall, participation among non-Whites was disproportionately higher (43%-59%) than that of Whites (42%-57%) relative to the age-matched racial composition of North Carolina (31% non-White and 69% White). Among participants randomized to the CDSMP, racial and ethnic minorities had the highest rates of participation. There were no significant demographic, chronic disease burden, or employment predictors among the participation outcomes examined, although this may have been due to the limited number of CDSMP workshop participation observations.

CONCLUSIONS

Extending the CDSMP to lower-to-middle wage workers may be particularly effective in reaching racial and ethnic minority populations, who complete the program to a greater extent than their White, non-Hispanic counterparts.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study examining treatment burden in people living with HIV

AIM

(1) describe the percentage of people living with HIV (PLWH) experiencing high levels of treatment burden who are at risk for self-management non-adherence, and (2) examine the relationship between known antecedent correlates (the number of chronic conditions, social capital, and age) of self-management and treatment burden while controlling for sample socio-demographics.

BACKGROUND

Chronic condition self-management is key to maintaining optimal health in the aging population of PLWH. Despite the efforts of providers, patients, and caregivers, self-management non-adherence is still a factor contributing to poor chronic condition self-management and subsequent poor health outcomes. Recent research has identified treatment burden as a risk factor of poor chronic disease self-management adherence.

METHOD

Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of a sub-sample of 103 community dwelling, men and women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS derived from a larger parent study examining physical activity patterns in PLWH.

RESULTS

Participants reported an overall low level of treatment burden (M = 22.84; SD = 24.57), although 16% (n = 16) of the sample indicated experiencing high treatment burden. The number of chronic conditions (r = 0.25; p ≤ .01) and social capital (r = -0.19; p = .03) were significantly correlated with treatment burden. Multivariate analysis testing known antecedent correlates of treatment burden was statistically significant (p < .05), but only explained 8% of treatment burden's variance.

CONCLUSION

Findings have implications for nursing care of PLWH demonstrating a subset of PLWH experience high treatment burden related to chronic condition self-management. Findings also identify characteristics of PLWH who may be at high risk for treatment burden and subsequent self-management non-adherence.