The effects of diabetes clubs on peer-support, disclosure of diabetes status, and sources of information regarding diabetes management: results of a pilot-intervention in rural Vietnam

OBJECTIVES

To measure the effects of diabetes clubs on peer support, disclosure of diabetes status, and the source of information regarding the management of diabetes among persons living with type-2 diabetes (T2D) in rural Vietnam.

STUDY DESIGN

A pre- and post-pilot intervention study was carried out in Thai Binh Province, Vietnam (n = 222).

RESULTS

Post-intervention, 57.7 % reported using experiences shared by other persons with T2D during the diabetes club sessions. Compared to pre-intervention, there was an increase in the proportion of persons with T2D who disclosed their diabetes status to friends and/or community members (an increase of 15.3 and 13.8 percentage points, respectively). The proportion of persons who reported gathering their own information regarding diabetes management without any support from others decreased from 15.7 % to 6.3 %. Those who reported a relative inside their home or a relative outside their household as their primary source of T2D-relevant information increased from 10.8 % to 18.6 % and from 2.7 % to 9.5 %, respectively. Persons who mentioned that they did not have a need for further support for their diabetes care increased from 18.5 % to 32.0 %. Specific support regarding diabetes-related knowledge received from family members, friends, and/or community members increased from 27.5 % to 62.2 % CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a promising potential for the implementation of diabetes clubs to enhance diabetes-relevant knowledge and the quality of self-management among persons living with T2D diabetes in rural areas of Vietnam.