Evaluation of the locus of control in patients with type 2 diabetes after long-term management by group care

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the locus of control in patients with type 2 diabetes followed by systemic group education (Group Care) and traditional one-to-one care.

Methods: In a post-hoc analysis, two questionnaires were administered to 56 patients who had been followed for 5-7 years by Group Care and 51 controls followed by individual care, similar by age, sex, diabetes duration, glycaemia, insulinaemia, weight and other clinical variables. Patients on Group Care had lower HbA1c (7.40 +/- 1.21%) than controls (7.99 +/- 1.48%), P = 0.027. The Peyrot and Rubin questionnaire, specific for diabetes, and the Wallston and Wallston questionnaire, more generic for chronic diseases, were administered. Both questionnaires explore 3 areas: internal control of disease, and the role of chance or powerful other people, including health operators, in changing the disease.

Results: Both questionnaires showed lower scores for chance in patients followed by Group Care (P < 0.001), while scores for powerful others did not differ from those of patients followed by traditional care. The Peyrot and Rubin tool showed increased Internal Control (P < 0.001) in the patients followed by Group Care. Multivariate analysis showed that the HOMA index of insulin resistance was inversely related to Internal Control (B = -0.144, P = 0.005) independently of BMI and HbA1c.

Conclusion: Fatalistic attitudes were lower and internal control higher in patients with type 2 diabetes followed by Group Care. These changes may be related to insulin resistance, above and beyond the effects of body weight and metabolic control.