![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: understand the feasibility of a comprehensive wellness program for the working uninsured.
Learning Objective 2: relate to challenges in implementation of a research project.
Purpose/ Specific Aims:
The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to determine the effectiveness of a community-based health promotion program on disease management, self-efficacy, and quality of life in persons with Type II diabetes.
Design and Methods:
Using a randomized, repeated-measures design; participants were assigned to one of four health promotion groups: nutrition class only, nutritional class plus exercise, nutritional class plus motivational interviewing, or nutritional class plus exercise and motivational interviewing. Recruited from a not-for-profit health clinic for the working uninsured located in east Texas, inclusion criteria included age > 18 and < 65; diagnosis of Type II diabetes, Hgb AIC > 7; physician approval to exercise; and able to read and understand English or Spanish. Health indicators of diabetes control and quality of life were assessed two times over a three-month period.
Findings:
Twenty participants were enrolled (5 per group). Those completing the program (n=11) were primarily female (73%), African-American (36%) or Hispanic (27%), single (73%), employed (91%), and of lower socio-economic status (100%) with a mean age of 48. While ANOVA was nonsignificant for changes in health indicators or quality of life, measures trended toward improvement. Mean scores for weight, BMI, HgbA1C, and BP decreased for the participants overall. Quality of life score slightly improved at the 3-month visit. Diabetes self-efficacy scores were significantly (p<.05) improved across time.
Implications:
This project suggests the feasibility of a comprehensive wellness program for the working uninsured. Larger sample and longer timeframe may have resulted in significant results. Refinements of procedures should be implemented in a larger scale research study.
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Clinical Sessions