Gender Differences in Peer Support in Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Across the Globe

Abstract Background. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications are increasing rapidly. Support for healthy lifestyle and self-management is paramount, but not adequately implemented in health systems in most countries. Process evaluations facilitate understanding why and how interventions work through analysing the interaction between intervention theory, implementation and context. The SMART2D project implemented and evaluated community-based support interventions for persons at high risk of or having T2D in a rural community in Uganda, an urban township in South Africa, and socio-economically disadvantaged urban communities in Sweden. This study presents comprehensive analyses of the implementation process and interaction with context. Methods. This paper reports implementation process outcomes across the three sites, guided by the MRC framework for complex intervention process evaluations and focusing on the three community strategies (peer support program; care companion; and link between facility care and community support). Data were collected through observations of peer support group meetings using a structured guide, and semi-structured interviews with project managers, implementers and participants. Results. The countries focused their in-depth implementation in accordance with the feasibility and relevance in the context. In Uganda and Sweden, the implementation focused on the peer support intervention whereas in South Africa, it centred around the CC part. The community-facility link received the least attention in the implementation. Continuous capacity building received a lot of attention, but intervention reach, dose delivered and fidelity varied substantially. Intervention- and context-related barriers affected participation. The analysis revealed how context shaped the possibilities of implementation, the delivery and participation and affected the mechanism of impact. Conclusions. Identification of the key uncertainties and conditions facilitates focus and efficient use of resources in process evaluations, and context relevant findings. The use of an overarching framework allows to collect cross-contextual evidence and a flexibility in evaluation design to adapt to the complex nature of the intervention. When designing an intervention, it is crucial to consider aspects of the implementing organization or structure, absorptive capacity, and to thoroughly assess and discuss implementation feasibility, capacity and organizational context with the implementation team and recipients. These recommendations are important for implementation and scale up. Trial registration. ISRCTN 11913581 (Registration 1/10/2017, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11913581)

Download Full-text

Understanding the mechanisms generating outcomes in a Danish peer support intervention for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes: a realist evaluation

10.21203/rs.3.rs-256521/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stine Dandanell Garn ◽

Charlotte Glümer ◽

Sarah Fredsted Villadsen ◽

Gritt Marie Hviid Malling ◽

Ulla Christensen

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Peer Support ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Realist Evaluation ◽

Self Management ◽

Support Intervention ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

Peer Support Intervention

Abstract Background: Despite increasing use and positive effects of peer support interventions, little is known about how they produce outcomes. Thus, it is essential not only to measure outcomes, but also to identify the mechanisms by which they are generated. Using a realist evaluation approach, we aimed to identify the mechanisms generating outcomes in a Danish peer support intervention for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes (peers). By investigating how the peers interacted in the intervention, we further examined how peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms in operation. Methods: We used a multi-method case-study design (n=9). Data included semi-structured interviews with four key groups of informants (peer, peer supporter, project manager and a diabetes nurse) for each case (n=25). Furthermore, we collected survey data from peers both before and after participation (n=9). The interview data were analysed using a systematic text condensation, and the Intervention-context-actor-mechanism-outcome framework was used to structure the analysis. Results: We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved diabetes self-management and the use of healthcare services (outcomes): ‘perceived needs and readiness’ and ‘encouragement and energy’. However, the mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes among peers with a stable occupation and financial situation, a relatively good health condition, and sufficient energy (all defined as contextual factors). Independent of these contextual factors, ‘experience of social and emotional support’ was identified as a mechanism within all peers that increased self-care awareness (defined as output). Dependent on whether the contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms to generate outcomes, we categorised the peers into those who achieved outcomes and those who did not. Conclusions: We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved the peers’ diabetes self-management and use of healthcare services. The mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes if peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated an active interaction with the elements of the intervention. However, independent of these contextual factors, a third group of mechanisms increased self-care awareness among all peers. We highlight the importance of contextual awareness of the target groups in the design and evaluation of peer support interventions for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes. Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, Retrospective Registration (01/20/2021), registration number NCT04722289, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04722289?term=The+Together+on+Diabetes+Intervention+-+a+Realist+Evaluation%2C&draw=2&rank=1 Keywords: Complex Intervention, Realist evaluation, Mechanisms, Context, Peer support, Diabetes self-management, Healthcare services, Inequality

Download Full-text

Understanding the mechanisms generating outcomes in a Danish peer support intervention for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes: a realist evaluation

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-021-00676-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stine Dandanell Garn ◽

Charlotte Glümer ◽

Sarah Fredsted Villadsen ◽

Gritt Marie Hviid Malling ◽

Ulla Christensen

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Peer Support ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Realist Evaluation ◽

Self Management ◽

Support Intervention ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

Peer Support Intervention

Abstract Background Despite an increasing use and positive effects of peer support interventions, little is known about how the outcomes are produced. Thus, it is essential not only to measure outcomes, but also to identify the mechanisms by which they are generated. Using a realist evaluation approach, we aimed to identify the mechanisms generating outcomes in a Danish peer support intervention for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes (peers). By investigating the participating peers’ interactions, we furthermore examined how their individual contextual factors either facilitated or hindered the mechanisms in operation. Methods We used a multi-method case-study design (n = 9). Data included semi-structured interviews with four key groups of informants (peer, peer supporter, project manager, and a diabetes nurse) for each case (n = 25). Furthermore, we collected survey data from peers both before and after participation (n = 9). The interview data were analysed using a systematic text condensation, and the Intervention-context-actor-mechanism-outcome framework was used to structure the analysis. Results We identified 2 groups of mechanisms that improved diabetes self-management and the use of healthcare services (outcomes): ‘perceived needs and readiness’ and ‘encouragement and energy’. However, the mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes among peers with a stable occupation and financial situation, a relatively good health condition, and sufficient energy (all defined as contextual factors). Independent of these contextual factors, ‘experience of social and emotional support’ was identified as a mechanism within all peers that increased self-care awareness (defined as output). Dependent on whether the contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms to generate outcomes, we categorised the peers into those who achieved outcomes and those who did not. Conclusions We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved the peers’ diabetes self-management and use of healthcare services. The mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes if peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated an active interaction with the elements of the intervention. However, independent of these contextual factors, a third group of mechanisms increased self-care awareness among all peers. We highlight the importance of contextual awareness of the target groups in the design and evaluation of peer support interventions for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, Retrospective Registration (20 Jan 2021), registration number NCT04722289.

Download Full-text

Understanding the Mechanisms Generating Outcomes in a Danish Peer support Intervention for Socially Vulnerable People with type 2-Diabetes: A Realist Evaluation

10.21203/rs.3.rs-256521/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stine Dandanell Garn ◽

Charlotte Glümer ◽

Sarah Fredsted Villadsen ◽

Gritt Marie Hviid Malling ◽

Ulla Christensen

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Peer Support ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Realist Evaluation ◽

Self Management ◽

Support Intervention ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

Peer Support Intervention

Abstract Background: Despite increasing use and positive effects of peer support interventions, little is known about how they produce outcomes. Thus, it is essential not only to measure outcomes, but also to identify the mechanisms by which they are generated. Using a realist evaluation approach, we aimed to identify the mechanisms generating outcomes in a Danish peer support intervention for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes (peers). By investigating how the peers interacted in the intervention, we further examined how peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms in operation.Methods: We used a multi-method case-study design (n=9). Data included semi-structured interviews with four key groups of informants (peer, peer supporter, project manager and a diabetes nurse) for each case (n=25). Furthermore, we collected survey data from peers both before and after participation (n=9). The interview data were analysed using a systematic text condensation, and the Intervention-context-actor-mechanism-outcome framework was used to structure the analysis.Results: We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved diabetes self-management and the use of healthcare services (outcomes): ‘perceived needs and readiness’ and ‘encouragement and energy’. However, the mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes among peers with a stable occupation and financial situation, a relatively good health condition, and sufficient energy (all defined as contextual factors). Independent of these contextual factors, ‘experience of social and emotional support’ was identified as a mechanism within all peers that increased self-care awareness (defined as output). Dependent on whether the contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms to generate outcomes, we categorised the peers into those who achieved outcomes and those who did not. Conclusions: We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved the peers’ diabetes self-management and use of healthcare services. The mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes if peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated an active interaction with the elements of the intervention. However, independent of these contextual factors, a third group of mechanisms increased self-care awareness among all peers. We highlight the importance of contextual awareness of the target groups in the design and evaluation of peer support interventions for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Retrospective Registration (01/20/2021), registration number NCT04722289, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04722289?term=The+Together+on+Diabetes+Intervention+-+a+Realist+Evaluation%2C&draw=2&rank=1

Download Full-text

Characterizing a Sample of Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Selected Health Outcomes

The Diabetes Educator ◽

10.1177/0145721718811561 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 105-115 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Meihua Ji ◽

Dianxu Ren ◽

Tiffany L. Gary-Webb ◽

Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob ◽

Judith A. Erlen

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Self Management

Purpose The purpose of the study is to describe the characteristics and selected health outcomes of a sample of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to examine gender differences based on social cognitive theory. There is limited study in theory-driven research conducted in China and a lack of evidence in collectively examining the associated factors among Chinese patients with T2DM based on a theory, especially among those living in a suburban area. Methods Following a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 207 patients (50.2% women; mean age, 56.1 years) with T2DM from an outpatient clinic in a suburban area of Beijing, China. Participants completed a survey, and clinical values were retrieved from the patients’ medical records. Results Of the participants, more than half had suboptimal glycemic control; only a small proportion had recommended levels in performing self-management behaviors. A large proportion had metabolic syndrome and were overweight or obese. Compared with men, women demonstrated poorer health literacy and problem solving, received less social support, and presented with more depressive symptoms. Conclusion Glycemic control and self-management were suboptimal in this sample, and a large proportion of the sample was at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Gender differences exist regarding health literacy, depressive symptoms, problem solving, and social support. Social cognitive theory may provide a lens for addressing factors that are important in improving health outcomes among Chinese patients with T2DM. This evidence will help health care providers to identify pertinent factors through a multifactorial approach, therefore providing tailored care for Chinese patients with T2DM.

Download Full-text

Self-management in face-to-face peer support for adults with type 2 diabetes living in low- or middle-income countries: a systematic review

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09954-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Melanie Pienaar ◽

Marianne Reid

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Peer Support ◽

Health Workers ◽

Self Management ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Reference List ◽

Middle Income ◽

Face To Face ◽

Middle Income Countries

Abstract Background Peer support has been recognised as a promising strategy to improve self-management in patients living with chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The purpose of the review was to synthesise the best available evidence on face-to-face peer support models for adults with T2D in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We searched Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Literature Academic Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, CAB Abstracts, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, SPORTDiscus, Africa-Wide Information, MasterFILE Premier, SocINDEX, ERIC, PsycARTICLES, Open Dissertations, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Health Source-Consumer Edition and Google Scholar for the period January 2000 to December 2017. Reference list checking and contact with authors were additional sources of data. Screening of papers, critical appraisal and data extraction were carried out independently by at least two reviewers. Results From 3092 abstracts retrieved from database searches, data was extracted from 12 papers. There was no consistency in design, setting, outcomes or measurement instruments amongst the papers. The papers were associated with improvements in various clinical and behavioural outcomes. Diabetic patients and community health workers (CHWs) were identified as two common face-to-face peer support models. The recruitment and selection of diabetic patients as peer supporters focused on patients from the community, with good glycaemic control and/or leadership skills, who were recommended by healthcare professionals. Recruitment of CHWs as peer supporters was done from an existing infrastructure of CHWs in the community and, thus, selection criteria were poorly described. The training of peer supporters featured as an important component, highlighting who provided training and the duration and content covered in training. Motivational interviewing was the most common theory basis of training used in the peer support interventions. Face-to-face, group and/or individual-based peer support was often supplemented by other peer support methods. The supervision of peer supporters was generally poorly described. Conclusions The comprehensive synthesis of the best available evidence has led to new insights regarding face-to-face peer support as a self-management strategy for patients with T2D in LMICs. Face-to-face peer support may be implemented in innovative ways to improve the quality of life of patients with T2D. Trial registration PROSPERO trial registry number, CRD 42018103261.

Download Full-text

The effectiveness of peer support on self-efficacy and self-management in people with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

Patient Education and Counseling ◽

10.1016/j.pec.2020.11.011 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dandan Liang ◽

Ruiying Jia ◽

Xiang Zhou ◽

Guangli Lu ◽

Zhen Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Peer Support ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Self Management

Download Full-text

Gender Difference in Care of Type 2 Diabetes

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.565 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 52 (189) ◽

pp. 245-250 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Aamod Dhoj Shrestha ◽

Kalpana Kosalram ◽

Vijayaprasad Gopichandran

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Gender Difference ◽

Diabetes Care ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Management ◽

Dietary Practices ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Biologically male and female have similar diabetes prevalence. Gender differences in the social structure bring differences in life style modifications and all other self care behaviors in type 2 diabetes. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the gender difference in care of type 2 diabetes in Western region, Nepal. Methods: Hundred men and hundred women respondents participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in two hospitals in Pokhara, Nepal. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each of the respondents. Results: Dry mouth (χ2 = 3.977, P = 0.046) and abdominal pain (χ2 = 3.840, P = 0.050) were reported as symptoms of diabetes in 51% and 31% women compared to 37% and 19% men respectively. The study revealed that women had low self-efficacy with respect to their diabetes care (35%) in comparison to men (65%). There was significant association between gender and diet practices which showed men have 0.328 (95% CI: 0.184 - 0.585) times less chances of bad dietary practices compared to women. After adjusting for age, education, occupation and self-efficacy, men were less likely to have bad dietary practices (OR= 0.513, 95% CI: 0.266, 0.992). Conclusions: The result of this study provided evidence that there are gender differences in reporting of symptoms, mode of diagnosis and certain self-management behaviors. Therefore there is a need to design gender specific behavior change communication strategies for better management of type 2 diabetes.Keywords: diabetes care; gender; self-efficacy; self-management.

Download Full-text