Outcomes of a type 2 diabetes education program adapted to the cultural contexts of Saudi women. A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the outcomes of a pilot intervention of a type 2 diabetes (T2D) education program, based on international standards, and adapted to the cultural and religious contexts of Saudi women. METHODS: This study is an experiment of a pilot intervention carried out between August 2011 and January 2012 at the primary health clinics in Dammam. Women at risk of or diagnosed with T2D (N=35 including dropouts) were assigned to one of 2 groups; an intervention group participated in a pilot intervention of T2D education program, based on international standards and tailored to their cultural and religious contexts; and a usual care group received the usual care for diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Outcomes included blood glucose, body composition, 6-minute walk distance, life satisfaction, quality of life, and diabetes knowledge. The intervention group participated in a focus group of their program experience. Data analysis was based on mixed methods. RESULTS: Based on 95% confidence interval comparisons, improvements were noted in blood sugar, 6-minute walk distance, quality of life, and diabetes knowledge in participants of the intervention group. They also reported improvements in lifestyle-related health behaviors after the education program. CONCLUSION: Saudi women may benefit from a T2D education program based on international standards and adapted to their cultural and religious contexts.

Community participation after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To describe participation among a community-based sample of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore the relationship between participation and life satisfaction. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 357 people (response rate, 44%) with SCI recruited through the British Columbia Paraplegic Association. The mean age +/- standard deviation was 46.0+/-14.7 years, mean time since SCI was 13.0+/-11.0 years, and 68% of the respondents were men. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive survey data on community participation specifically related to social involvement, physical activity and relationship with others, transportation, and community access. Life satisfaction and happiness assessed using the Satisfaction With Life Scale and Happiness Scale. RESULTS: No limitations to participation were experienced by 18.5% of the respondents. Satisfaction with transportation was associated with owning one's own vehicle (P<.001). There was overall satisfaction with access to community buildings (mean score range, 6.9-8.5; where 10 is most satisfied). Being physically active was important to a majority and 75% were currently engaged in physical activity. Those living alone were less satisfied (mean, 7.3+/-2.7; where 10 is most satisfied) with the support they received than those living with others (8.5+/-1.7). Respondents were generally happy (5.0+/-1.4) and satisfied with life (18.6+/-7.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a rich description of the multifaceted nature of participation and its association with life satisfaction as identified by people with SCI living in the community.