Efficacy of a language-concordant health coaching intervention for latinx with diabetes.

Abstract

To describe the effect of a language-concordant health coaching intervention for Spanish-speaking patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) on glycemic control, anxiety, depression, and diabetes self-efficacy. 64 patients with T2D were randomly assigned to a control or intervention group. Outcomes were assessed by blood work and surveys pre and post intervention. The mean sample age was 47.8 years (SD=11.3) and 81% were female. HbA1c was not significantly different between groups at baseline. The intervention group's HbA1c was significantly lower at times 2 and 3 than in the control arm (p < .01 and p < .001). There were significant reductions in the intervention group's mean HbA1c levels from baseline 10.37 to midpoint 9.20, p < .001; and from baseline 10.42 to study end 8.14, p < .001. Depression and anxiety scores significantly decreased (p < .05 and p < .001), and diabetes self-efficacy significantly increased (p < .001). Health coaching led to statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreases in HbA1c, depression, and anxiety scores among LEP Latinx adults with uncontrolled T2D. Heath coaching can be conducted in primary care clinics by nurses or advanced practice nurses. The short-term intervention tested here could be adapted to the clinical setting.