Patient and family engagement in culturally-tailored diabetes self-management education in a Hispanic community.

Abstract

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is effective in improving outcomes among adults with diabetes (AWD); but engagement in DSME has been lower among Hispanic AWD. We examined factors predicting engagement of Hispanic AWD in culturally tailored DSME that included a family/friend 'support person'. 222 predominantly Hispanic AWD enrolled in DSME with a support person (SP), half of the AWD-SP pairs participated in pair-focused ('FAM-ACT') DSME and the others in patient-focused DSME. Enrollment survey and health record-based participant characteristics were compared to program attendance data. On average, AWD completed 3.8 of 6 and SPs 2.6 of 6 sessions. Engaged AWD (attended ≥4/6 DSME sessions) were more likely to live apart from their SP, have HbA1c ≥ 9 % (11.8 mmol/L), and currently prioritize diabetes among other competing demands. Engaged AWD in FAM-ACT were more likely to have SPs who also met engagement criteria (attended ≥3 DSME sessions), and SPs with pre-diabetes and high 'patient activation'. Hispanic AWD who co-attended with family supporters, had higher glycemic levels, and ability to prioritize diabetes management were more engaged in culturally-tailored DSME. Engaging family supporters and focusing on those with current health and personal motivation may increase Hispanic adult engagement in DSME.