Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Mitchell, Marc

2nd Supervisor

Reichert, Sonja M.

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is associated with better type 2 diabetes (T2D) self-management. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a 6-month hybrid multi-component T2D self-management education (SME) program increases self-efficacy. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of an ongoing quasi-experimental, treatment-only study. Participants were recruited between November 2022 and December 2023. Adults diagnosed with T2D, glycated hemoglobin (A1c) ≥ 8%, and no prior flash glucose monitor experience were included. The SME included biofeedback from glucose and physical activity monitors, group education, and elective exercise prescription. Self-efficacy was measured using the Stanford Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale. Change in self-efficacy from baseline was assessed using a paired samples t-test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight participants were enrolled (mean age: 54.6±13.3 years, % female: 36.8). Mean self-efficacy score increased from 6.00±1.96 at baseline to 7.97±1.21 at six months (pCONCLUSION: This SME program may have fostered self-efficacy, possibly leading to enhanced T2D self-management.

Summary for Lay Audience

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates movement of sugar into the cells), and cells do not respond well to insulin. There is currently no cure to T2D, however, adequate management of T2D can prevent downstream health complications. Self-management of T2D involves: (1) blood sugar monitoring, (2) medication adherence, (3) physical activity, and (4) healthy eating. It is important to provide access to self-management education (SME) programs that have the potential to increase self-management behaviours. A psychological precursor to effective self-management is self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is an individual’s belief in their ability to execute behaviours necessary for completing a task, and increased self-efficacy can lead to behaviour change and improved T2D health outcomes. This study includes various components: a flash glucose monitor, which provides participants with their current blood glucose levels; a wearable physical activity monitor, which provides participants with information related to their activity levels (e.g., step count), educational classes, and an exercise prescription, if desired. The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in self-efficacy from baseline (start of intervention) to endpoint (end of intervention). Self-efficacy was measured using the Stanford Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale (SDSES). Thirty-eight participants were enrolled in the study, and 30 participants completed the 6-month intervention. Self-efficacy significantly increased from baseline to endpoint. This study suggests that SME programs have the potential to improve confidence levels in relation to T2D self-management behaviours. These findings may lead to an emphasis on integrating education and new technology in healthcare settings for improved T2D health outcomes.

Available for download on Saturday, March 01, 2025

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