Effect of a group adherence intervention for Mexican-American older adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE I evaluated the effect of a culturally tailored, peer-led support group intervention on improvement in adherence behaviors of Mexican-American older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obtained feedback on the cultural relevance of the manual that structured the intervention. METHOD The one-group pretest-posttest design used five self-report questionnaires and blood testing to measure change among 4 men and 12 women, ages 60-85. RESULTS Empowerment, self-efficacy, and attitude were highly significant at 2-, 4-, and 6-mo posttests. Glycosylated hemoglobin test results were significant at p < .05 between pretest and 2-mo posttest with a stabilizing effect on the 6-mo posttest. CONCLUSION Mexican-American older adults' adherence may improve with a culturally sensitive, structured peer-led program with indirect consultation from an occupational therapist.