ABSTRACT
Introduction: Empowerment of diabetic patients and education of their families in order to participate actively in the care and treatment of these individuals is important. The aim of this research is determine the effects of the family-centered empowerment model on the life style, self-efficacy and HbA1C levels of type 2 diabetic patients
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, seventy diabetic patients were allocated randomly to the case and control groups. Firstthe [modified life style questionnaire], [self-efficacy questionnaire] and HbA1C were used for data collection in the two groups. Then the family-center empowerment model was used in the intervention group, and the empowerment model without family participation was used in the controls. Three months after the intervention, the questionnaires were administered again and HbA1C values were measured in two groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS20, and statistical methods including Chi-square test, exact fisher test, t-test and the paired t-test
Results: No significant differences were observed in demographic factors, life style scores, self-efficacy scores and HbA1C values between the two groups before the intervention. Three months after the intervention life style-and self-efficacy scores were increased and HbA1C valueswere lower in the two groups, although the changes were higher in the intervention group and were significantly different to those of the control group [P<0.01]
Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that the family-centered empowerment model was more effective than the non-family-based empowerment model.Therefore, considering the family's role in the promotion of patients' self-efficacy and improvement of their life style, application of this training method is recommended in Comprehensive Health Services Centers in order to better management of diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes