Family members of diabetic patients are at increased risk for diabetes, due to similar genetic characteristics as well as lifestyle behaviors. For patients with diabetes, the family is the primary social context of disease management. Family behaviors and attitudes can support and/or challenge patients’ confidence, intent and ability to implement diabetes self-management strategies. In addition, family characteristics such as structure (extended vs. nuclear), communication style, emotion management and cohesion, have been shown to be significantly linked to patients’ psychosocial adaptation to the disease as well as to self care behaviors. Yet, diabetes prevention programs that include family members, tend to include only one support person and to limit instructional efforts to increasing diabetes knowledge and promoting healthy food choices and increased activity. Few if any programs, have expanded their efforts to include team building, working with the family system to develop a support network that collectively set goals, overcomes obstacles and sustains behavior change.
This paper discusses the development and implementation of a five module program designed for families of diabetic patients. This intervention is one component of the Border Health Strategic Initiative, a comprehensive diabetes prevention and control program piloted in two Arizona counties along the U.S.-Mexico border. University investigators and promotores collaborated on program design; promotores were responsible for program delivery. Program evaluation is based on a record of family participation, an assessment of factors reflecting family system and behavior change, and diabetic patients’ assessments of the change and value in family support and involvement.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: 1. List five family characteristics that impact diabetic patients’ self care behaviors. 2. Identify three outcomes of team building that can be used to promote the primary prevention of diabetes at the family level. 3. Develop a family-based diabetes prevention program that builds support and lifestyle behavior change at the system level.
Keywords: Diabetes, Family Involvement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.