The Effect of Modified Aggression Replacement Training on Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescents with Insulin-dependent Diabetes

Background and Adolescents with diabetes are faced with some constraints and may show some negative reactions such as aggressive behavior. These behaviors increase the level of glycosylated hemoglobin in these patients. It is important to assess some interventions that reduce aggression and improve glycosylated hemoglobin level in diabetic adolescents. This study aimed at determining the effect of implementation of the modified aggression replacement training program (ART) on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes. A clinical trial was conducted in 70 adolescents suffering insulin-dependent diabetes attending Parsian Diabetes clinic in Mashhad, 2014. They were divided into two groups: a control (n= 35) and intervention (n= 35) group. The intervention program comprised five sessions of 1.5-2 hours. The sessions were held at five days intervals and each group consisted of 8-10 individuals. Glycosylated hemoglobin tests were performed before the intervention and two months later. Data was analyzed in SPSS by student t-test and Chi-square test. Before the intervention the glycosylated hemoglobin levels were not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.457). But in post-intervention phase, the glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased significantly in intervention group (8.7±1.4) compared to the control group (9.6±1.5) (P<0.017). The modified ART could be effective in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment for diabetes.