Effect of a Self-care Training Program Based on Temperament Modification on the Quality of Life of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

 Considering the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its effect on the quality of life (QoL) of patients which can lead to low self-care and increased risk of disease complications, this study aims to assess the effect of a self-care training program based on temperament modification on the QoL of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

In this quasi-experimental study, 110 patients with T2D were selected by a convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control using the random number table. After obtaining informed consent from them, they completed a demographic from and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, and their temperament was diagnosed by a doctor expert in Iranian traditional medicine. The intervention group received four sessions of self-care training based on temperament modification each for 45 minutes. The control group received routine treatment without any intervention. Then, they completed the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire again three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 22 using chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. The significant level was set at 0.05.

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the quality of life score between the intervention (83.2±11.9) and control (85±9.4) groups (P= 0.194). After the intervention, the difference was significant between the intervention (87.7±11.3) and control (85.1±9.5) groups (P=0.044). There was no significant difference in the quality of life score in control group before and after the intervention (P=0.244).

The self-care program training based on temperament modification can improve the quality of life of patients with T2D.