THE EFFECT OF GROUP DISCUSSION ON THE SELF-MANAGEMENT ABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES REFERRED TO THE DIABETES CLINICS IN KHOY, 2014

Diabetes is a chronic disease with multiple complications due to the nature of the disease that requires continuous education. To the active participation of patients in the education process, group discussion plays an important role in improving the performance, quality of life and controlling the complications. The main aim of this education is enhancing patient’s self-management behaviors. This study aims was determining the effects of group discussion on self-management abilities in patients with diabetes type 2. In this experimental study, 90 patients of Khoy Diabetes Center were selected and randomly divided into two groups. For the intervention group, self-management interventions were given in the form of group discussion in 8 sessions for three months. The control group received routine care and treatment. Data collection tools included demographic information and LIN self- management questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 16. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. The independent t-test showed that after the group discussion, difference in the five components of the self-management was significant (p <001) between intervention and control groups. A group discussion is an effective educational method to improve the self-management of patients with diabetes. Group discussions not only reduced the complications of diabetes, but also they enhanced overall health in this group of patients.