Impact of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Psychological Distress and Health Outcomes Among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos With Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) is an effective strategy to improve health outcomes. However, little is known about the impact of formal DSME/S on psychological distress among minority populations. The study purposes were to 1) explore the impact of a culturally tailored DSME/S intervention on psychological distress and diabetes-related outcomes among African-American and Hispanic/Latino participants and 2) examine differences across groups in self-care, self-efficacy, diabetes knowledge, and psychological distress. Methods. Using a pre- and post-test research design, baseline and post-test assessments were conducted at weeks 1 and 7 of the intervention, respectively. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics for demographic variables and four outcomes (self-care, self-efficacy, knowledge, and psychological distress score), general linear regression analysis of the post-test outcomes, and the Spearman correlation between psychological distress score and the outcomes. Results. Compared to African-American participants (n = 122), Hispanic/Latino participants (n = 137) were significantly younger and less educated. The two groups were comparable in sex, income, and health status. Significant pre- to post-test improvements were seen in each group for self-care, self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Diabetes knowledge had moderate improvement. Hispanics/Latinos had significantly greater post-test self-efficacy and self-care scores compared to African Americans. For both African-American and Hispanic/Latino participants, lower psychological distress scores were generally associated with greater self-efficacy and self-care. Psychological distress scores were not significantly associated with knowledge in African-Amerian or Hispanic/Latino participants. For African Americans only, better health status was significantly associated with less psychological distress. Conclusion. DSME/S programs have the potential to improve psychological health among African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos, which can lead to better diabetes outcomes.