THE EFFECT OF GROUP DISCUSSION ON THE SELF-MANAGEMENT ABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES REFERRED TO THE DIABETES CLINICS IN KHOY, 2014

Diabetes is a chronic disease with multiple complications due to the nature of the
disease that requires continuous education. To the active participation of patients in the education process,
group discussion plays an important role in improving the performance, quality of life and controlling the
complications. The main aim of this education is enhancing patient’s self-management behaviors. This
study aims was determining the effects of group discussion on self-management abilities in patients with
diabetes type 2.
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 90 patients of Khoy Diabetes Center were selected and
randomly divided into two groups. For the intervention group, self-management interventions were given
in the form of group discussion in 8 sessions for three months. The control group received routine care
and treatment. Data collection tools included demographic information and LIN self- management
questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 16. Descriptive and inferential statistical
analyses were performed.
Results: The independent t-test showed that after the group discussion, difference in the five components
of the self-management was significant (p <001) between intervention and control groups.
Conclusion: A group discussion is an effective educational method to improve the self-management of
patients with diabetes. Group discussions not only reduced the complications of diabetes, but also they
enhanced overall health in this group of patients.