The effect of family-centered care on adherence to treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background and Aim: The family can play an important role in adapting patients with diabetes to lifestyle changes, so that the family, as the most essential pillar of society, is responsible for the proper care of the patient with diabetes; Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of family-centered care on the adherence to treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 80 patients with type 2 diabetes and one member of their family were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to two of intervention and control groups. Adherence to treatment was assessed using a researcher-made questionnaire and laboratory values before and 3 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square test. Results: After the implementation of the family-centered care program, increased mean scores for patient adherence to treatment in the intervention group compared to the control group, this increase was statistically significant (p=0.0001). The results showed a decrease in the mean score of fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in the intervention group compared to the control group. This decrease was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Family-centered care can increase adherence to treatment, and decrease fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose and hemoglobin glycosylated levels. Therefore, it is recommended that family pay more attention to diabetic members. Key Words: Adherence to Treatment; Blood glucose; Family-Centered Nursing; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus