Effects of Self-Care Training Combined with Stress Management on Treatment Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes People

Objective: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can be exacerbated by stress, poor compliance and self-care practices. This study investigated the effects of self-care training combined with stress management on treatment adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) people. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial with repeated measures. The study sample included 30 T2DM who were purposively selected among the eligible members of the Kerman Diabetes Association. The participants were randomized to the experimental group (stress management based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and self-care training) (n=15) and the control group (no intervention) (n=15). Both groups completed the Medanlo Treatment Adherence Questionnaire at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up time points. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA. Results: The post-test and follow-up mean scores of treatment adherence significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group (P< 0.001). In addition, the results demonstrated that treatment adherence improved in follow-up (P< 0.001). Conclusion: According to the study results, psychological training should be integrated with self-care training to achieve long lasting treatment adherence in T2DM people.