Efficacy of an empowerment program for Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: To examine the efficacy of an empowerment program on glycosylated hemoglobin, self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and quality of life in Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Although empowerment interventions have proven beneficial in western populations, they are rarely applied in Taiwanese populations.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The experimental group (n=33) participated in a 3-month empowerment program for motivating patient self-awareness, assessing the causes of problems, goal setting, individual self-care plan development, and checking whether the goal is reached (MAGIC). The control group (n=32) received routine clinical care.

Results: The experimental group had significantly decreased glycosylated hemoglobin at 3 months after the end of the intervention and significantly improved self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and quality of life at the end of the intervention and at 3 months after the end of the intervention.

Conclusions: An empowerment program effectively improves diabetes control in Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes; Empowerment; Glycosylated hemoglobin; Randomized control trial; Self-care behaviors.