Effect of a peer support group intervention on medication adherence, self- care practices, and diabetes knowledge among patients with diabetes in Northern Ethiopia: a randomized controlled trial
Randomized trial shows improved medication adherence and self-care in patients with diabetes, suggesting effective support model.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the effect of a peer support group intervention on medication adherence, self-care practices, and diabetes knowledge among patients with diabetes.
Randomized controlled trial conducted on 97 adults with diabetes at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Participants were assigned to a peer-support intervention or control group and followed for six months.
Intervention included three structured sessions focusing on self-care, medication adherence, and diabetes knowledge.
Medication adherence increased by a net difference of +1.5 points on the MMAS-8 scale (p < 0.001).
Self-care practices improved by +1.3 days per week of recommended behaviors (p < 0.001).
Diabetes knowledge scores increased by +4.9 points for insulin users and +3.4 points for non-insulin users (p < 0.001).