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A 12‐month follow‐up study of self‐management training for people with chronic disease: Are changes maintained over time?
Author(s) -
Barlow J. H.,
Wright C. C.,
Turner A. P.,
Bancroft G. V.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1348/135910705x26317
Subject(s) - medicine , self management , attendance , depression (economics) , mood , distress , physical therapy , clinical psychology , psychology , gerontology , machine learning , computer science , economics , macroeconomics , economic growth
Objective. A previous study reported some improved outcomes at 4‐month follow‐up after attendance on a lay‐led, chronic disease self‐management course (CDSMC). The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes were maintained over time (i.e. at 12 months) and to describe participants' current use of self‐management techniques. Design. The study was a 12‐month follow‐up of a sample of 171 participants who attended a CDSMC in the UK. Method. Data were collected by self‐administered questionnaires mailed to participants 12 months after they commenced a CDSMC and via telephone interviews with a sub‐sample. Results. The sample had a mean age of 54 years, mean disease duration of 16 years, 73% were women, and chronic diseases included endometriosis, depression, diabetes, myalgic encephalomyelitis, osteoporosis and polio. The significant improvements in outcomes identified at 4 months (i.e. cognitive symptom management, self‐efficacy, communication with physician, fatigue, anxious and depressed moods and health distress) were sustained at 12 months. No significant changes between 4‐ and 12‐month assessments were found on any study variables. Interview data confirmed that participants continued to use some of the self‐management techniques learned on the course. Conclusion. Attendance on the CDSMC may lead to longer‐term changes in key outcomes such as self‐efficacy, use of some self‐management behaviours and some aspects of health status (e.g. fatigue, depressed mood).