ABSTRACT
Background: The role of Emotional Intelligence [EI] in glycemic control in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [DM] has not been fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of self-care education on EI and hemoglobin glycosylated [HbA1c] in patients with type 2 diabetes
Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 48 patients with type 2 DM referred to Shahid Motahari Diabetes Center in 2015 were divided into an intervention and a control group using block randomization. The study data were collected using Bar-On questionnaire and blood testing immediately and two months after the intervention. The educational content was presented to the intervention group through 1-1:30-hour sessions held once a week for 8 continuous weeks. The control group, however, only received the clinic's routine cares
Results: The results showed a significant difference in the mean level of HbA1c in the intervention group before and two months after the intervention [P=0.003]. However, this difference was not significant in the control group. Moreover, the mean of EI was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group [P=0.08]
Conclusion: Self-care education improved the HbA1c level and EI among the patients with type 2 DM. Therefore, it is recommended that health care providers, specially nurses, should train the diabetic patients for self-care, which can lead to better glycemic control