Effectiveness of a family support coaching program on diabetes mellitus self-management to improve health outcomes among thai patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: A quasi-experimental study

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a public health challenge globally and in Thailand. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to acute and chronic complications. Diabetes mellitus self-management (DMSM) with social support from family members is considered an effective strategy to control diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a family support coaching program on diabetes mellitus self-management (FS-DMSM) to improve health outcomes among Thai patients with uncontrolled T2D. A quasi-experimental study employing a pre-and posttest design with a nonequivalent control group was conducted at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute (BIDI), Thailand. Sixty-four patients with T2D who met inclusion criteria were selected in experimental and comparison groups for a period of 3 months. The patients and their family members of the experimental group were recruited in the FS-DMSM program receiving 4 sessions of DMSM and family support education while the patients of the comparison group received routine treatment and care at BIDI. The results showed that after completing the intervention program, the experimental group significantly increased perceived diabetes family support, diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-efficacy and diabetes self-management within and between groups before and after intervention (p<0.05). Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c also decreased significantly within and between groups before and after implementing (p<0.05). In conclusion, the FS-DMSM program could improve health outcomes of Thai patients with uncontrolled T2D. The FS-DMSM program should be merged with routine diabetes self-management education interventions to enhance DMSM practices.