Abstract
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased dramatically worldwide in the recent past, and is an illness which carries with it an enormous burden of disability, comorbidity and complications. The prevalence of T2DM and related complications are disproportionately high among Latino Americans but there is a dearth of evidence-based outcome data regarding the effectiveness of educational or behavioral interventions for Latinos with DM. Self-care of diabetes on a daily basis is critical to adequate glycemic control. This day-to-day monitoring and appropriate intervention require adequate DM knowledge and acquisition of a variety of skills. Few patient education programs have been developed specifically for Latino populations.
The purpose of this pilot study is to test the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally-relevant diabetes cognitive-behavioral intervention for Latinos with T2DM. Specific aims of the study are: 1) to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention methods and materials in terms of participant attendance, kept appointments, attrition and satisfaction, and group leader's implement of the intervention; 2) to evaluate the success of the intervention on improving metabolic control, primarily changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and secondarily changes in lipids; 3) to explore the relationship of diabetes knowledge, self-care beliefs, degree of acculturation and diabetes-related emotional distress to outcomes in HbA1c and lipids.
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Principal Investigator
Maria Mauldon
Co-Investigator
Gail Melkus
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