Online Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Adherence and Quality of Life in Elderly Adults with Diabetes: Two cases study

ABSTRACT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have experienced difficulties to adhere to their therapy (TA), a situation which not only has had an impact on their glycemic control, but on their quality of life (QoL) as well. Telepsychology has proved to be an effective alternative to treat health-related complications in patients with this disease, however, results of same are unknown among the Latin American population. The aim of this study was determining the effect of Online Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on TA, overall QoL and specific QoL in two elderly adults with T2DM. The case of a 62-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man who was offered an intervention consisting of nine sessions offered through a video conference platform is presented. The procedure included psychoeducation, self-control training techniques, behavior reinforcement, feedback and problem solving. The Objective Clinical Change (OCC) evidences an increase in TA behaviors, such as use of medications, following a healthy diet (OCC≥ 0.20) and monitoring capillary blood glucose in the medium term (four months). Likewise, improve specific QoL for T2DM patients (OCC≤ -0.20). It is concluded that telepsychology is a low-cost, safe, feasible and effective type of therapy to increase and maintain TA behaviors, as well as to improve the QoL of patients suffering T2DM. Even though, more research is needed to increase the effectiveness of this therapy modality (AU)