Outcomes from a Diabetes Self-management Intervention for Native Hawaiians and Pacific People: Partners in Care

BACKGROUND: Culturally adapted interventions are needed to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality among Native Hawaiian and Pacific People. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to pilot test the effectiveness of a culturally adapted diabetes self-management intervention. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned in an unbalanced design to the Partners in Care intervention (n = 48) or wait list control group (n = 34). Assessments of hemoglobin A1c, understanding of diabetes self-management, performance of self-care activities, and diabetes-related distress were measured at baseline and 3 months (post intervention). Analysis of covariance was used to test between-group differences. The community steering committee and focus group data informed the cultural adaptation of the intervention. RESULTS: There were significant baseline adjusted differences at 3 months between the Partners in Care and wait list control group in intent-to-treat (p < 0.001) and complete case analyses (p < 0.0001) for A1c, understanding (p < 0.0001), and performing diabetes self-management (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A culturally adapted diabetes self-management intervention of short duration was an effective approach to improving glycemic control among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.