Effect of an Empowerment Program on Self-Efficacy of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that is spreading very quickly worldwide and is second in priority for investigation of chronic diseases. According to research, self-efficacy is low in diabetic patients. Objectives: This study analyzes the effect of empowerment programs on self-efficacy in type 2 diabetes patients. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial, 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who had inclusion criteria were chosen randomly and divided into control and experimental groups by a randomized block method. Intervention was accomplished through educational sessions scheduled twice a week for four weeks. Diabetes self-efficacy questionnaires were completed before and two months after the intervention for each group. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 16 and the Mann Whitney U, chi-square, exact Fisher's, and t-test statistical tests. Results: Before intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy was 45 +/- 14.49 and 39.61 +/- 17.01 for the experimental and control groups, respectively, and the difference was not significant (P = 0.1). Two months after the intervention, the mean of self-efficacy was 55.71 +/- 13.25 and 40.24 +/- 17.55 for experimental and control groups, respectively; and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Using an empowerment program had positive effects on self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes.