Evaluation of the effect of using Symptom Focused Management Model (SFMM) on the amount of HbA1c, knowledge, and self care behavior of type 2 diabetes patients

Background: Diabetes control needs more effective educational programs. Self-care education is an important factor in diabetes control. It seems that the symptoms can be the proper stimulus for the direction toward self-care. Aim: To evaluate the effects of the using SFMM on HbA1c, knowledge, self care practices, and symptoms of type2 diabetic patients. Methods: Seventy type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Data was assessed using four-part questionnaire, diabetic knowledge, self-care practices and symptoms of patients. HbA1c was also measured. The subjects in the intervention group received 3-4 individual educational sessions, which lasted 60-90 minutes. The educational sessions were focused on the self-management behaviors. The subjects in the control group received routine educations. After 3 months, the above mentioned variables were measured again. Data was analyzed with SPSS 15.0 and STATA using paired T-tests, GLM, fisher-test, and covariance. Results: The finding presented in this study showed a decrease in HbA1c levels in the experimental group, however, this decrease did not reach statistical significance (P=0/06). There was a significant increase in the knowledge of diabetes (P