Publication: Peer support for self-management of diabetes improved outcomes in international settings
Issued Date
2012-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
15445208
02782715
02782715
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-84855703960
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Health Affairs. Vol.31, No.1 (2012), 130-139
Suggested Citation
B. Edwin Fisher, I. Renée Boothroyd, Muchieh Maggy Coufal, C. Linda Baumann, Jean Claude Mbanya, Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, Boosaba Sanguanprasit, Chanuantong Tanasugarn Peer support for self-management of diabetes improved outcomes in international settings. Health Affairs. Vol.31, No.1 (2012), 130-139. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0914 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/15113
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Title
Peer support for self-management of diabetes improved outcomes in international settings
Abstract
Self-management of diabetes is essential to reducing the risks of associated disabilities. But effective self-management is often shortlived. Peers can provide the kind of ongoing support that is needed for sustained self-management of diabetes. In this context, peers are nonprofessionals who have diabetes or close familiarity with its management. Key functions of effective peer support include assistance in daily management, social and emotional support, linkage to clinical care, and ongoing availability of support. Using these four functions as a template of peer support, project teams in Cameroon, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda developed and then evaluated peer support interventions for adults with diabetes. Our initial assessment found improvements in symptom management, diet, blood pressure, body mass index, and blood sugar levels for many of those taking part in the programs. For policy makers, the broader message is that by emphasizing the four key peer support functions, diabetes management programs can be successfully introduced across varied cultural settings and within diverse health systems. © 2012 Project HOPE-The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.