Assessment and Enhancement of Social and Community Resources Utilization for Disease Self-Management

Abstract

This article describes an integrated intervention to encourage the use of community resources for dietary behavior change in older adults. Conducted as part of a randomized trial of Type 2 diabetes patients, the intervention components were designed to be broadly useful across chronic diseases and settings. A community resources guidebook, a survey and feedback procedure to assess and suggest resources for supporting chronic disease management at multiple levels (e.g., family, work, community), a newsletter, and postcards to document resource use were evaluated. All components were developed from a conceptual model of a pyramid of social and environmental support influences based on social-ecological theory. For each intervention component, the authors describe the rationale for development; present process and utilization, reach, and satisfaction data (when available); and discuss lessons learned. The authors conclude that such an intervention is promising, but the specific menu of intervention activities should be tailored to the participant, community, and resources available.