Comparison of the Effect of Peer and Family-Based Training on the Quality of Life of Rural Diabetic Elderly

Training has an important role in improving quality of life. The current study aims comparing the effect of peer and family-based training on the quality of life of rural diabetic elderly.

In  this quasi-experimental study which conducted in 2020, 30 elderly people referring to Shahid Abad village health center in Babol , northern Iran, were randomly assigned to peer group (N=15)  and family-based training group(N=15). The intervention in both groups consisted of 6 sessions of 30 to 60 minutes for 6 weeks. Quality of life was assessed using the LEIPAD QOL questionnaire before, immediately and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. , Fisher test, Independent t-test, Paired t-test and MANCOVA.

Before intervention,   the mean of quality of life in the peer group was 61.35 ±16.49 and the family-based training group was 53.18 ± 6.98 and there was no significantly difference (P = 0.147). According to paired t-test, changes in quality of life score in family-based training group was significant in two time periods (before intervention to two months after intervention (P = 0.048)), immediately after intervention to two months after intervention (P =0.036), but was not significant in the peer training group.

: Family-based training was effective on quality of life of rural diabetic elderly, in two time periods. Further studies are recommended.