Development and Evaluation of an Intervention Program: "Control on Campus"

Abstract

PURPOSE This study was designed to develop and test an intervention for college students with type 1 diabetes. METHODS A diabetes program, "Control on Campus," and guide were developed based on the Expanded Health Belief Model and Social Learning Theory. Diabetes knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed preprogram, postprogram, and at follow-up for 3 intervention cohorts and a control group. RESULTS Reporting of HbAlc values and diabetes knowledge improved significantly as a result of the intervention compared with no increase in the control group. Furthermore, participants reported feeling more support on campus after the intervention, appeared to have overcome their fears associated with testing their blood glucose, reported an increased frequency of blood glucose testing, and were more likely to test when they felt their blood glucose level was low. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this research yielded substantial insight into the characteristics of college students with diabetes and was successful in designing and evaluating an intervention trial for this population.