The Effect of a Home Care Program on Self-efficacy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Diabetes is a debilitating, long-term condition that damages several organs and causes numerous complications. In the management of the illness, patients and their families play a crucial role. Home care is regarded as an effective strategy for providing patients with educational programs in their own environments. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the impact of a home care program on the self-efficacy of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Eighty adults with T2D were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The program team conducted two home visits for the intervention group, followed by a motivational phone call after each visit. The control group received standard clinical pharmacy and nursing support. Both groups completed the Diabetes Self-efficacy Questionnaire at baseline and two months post-randomization. Results: Finding show that the mean age of the patients was 54.73 ± 7.80 years in the intervention group and 58.95 ± 7.84 years in the control group (P = 0.018). Most patients were female, married, homemakers, had higher education, and were receiving oral medication. The mean BMI was 27.68 ± 3.95 in the intervention group and 26.93 ± 4.10 in the control group. When comparing the two groups, the intervention patients scored statistically higher for self-rated physical activity (P = 0.003) and for the overall self-efficacy scale (P < 0.001) two months after the last telephone call. Conclusions: The home care program improved the self-efficacy of patients with T2D, particularly in blood glucose monitoring and physical exercise. Implementing such initiatives may lead to better outcomes in diabetic self-management.