Effects of the Empowerment Program on the Quality of Life in Patients with Type II Diabetes

Quality of life is normally at a low level among diabetic patients, and several studies have confirmed the positive effects of the empowerment program on this parameter among these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the empowerment program on quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes admitted at Kashan Diabetes Center in 2014. This clinical trial was conducted on 100 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups of control and intervention using a randomized block design. Intervention was performed through educational sessions held twice a week for 4 weeks. In addition, Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire was completed by the subjects of both groups before and two months after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V.16 and statistical tests, including Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and T-test. In this study, no statistically significant difference was observed between the study groups in demographic variables (P<0.05). However, results of paired t-test indicated a statistically significant difference in the mean score of quality of life before and after the intervention in each group (P≤0.0001). Moreover, independent t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of quality of life between the two groups after the intervention (P≤0.003). According to the results of this study, the empowerment program had a significantly positive effect on the quality of life among diabetic patients. Therefore, it is recommended that this program be considered in the treatment procedure of patients with type 2 diabetes.