570-P: Impact of Psychosocial Factors, Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Nutrition Using 12-Week Courses on Diabetes Management for Veterans

Abstract

Background: Approximately 25% of U.S. veterans have diabetes and suffer from psychosocial complications. The Diabetes Empowerment Group (DEG), developed by Loma Linda VA Hospital’s Behavioral Medicine Service, is a 12-week interdisciplinary group to help veterans manage their diabetes. Curriculum included values assessment, SMART goal setting, stress management, problem solving, mindful eating and nutritional education. Methods: Veterans attended their respective 12-week DEG group. Hemoglobin A1c levels were measured and participants completed QI measures at the beginning and end of their group cycles. Scores on QI measures were used to determine if group content impacted veterans’ HbA1c levels, diabetes-related psychosocial self-efficacy, knowledge, emotional distress, confidence to perform management behaviors and depressive symptoms. Paired sample t-tests compared pre- and post-group values. Results: Eighty veterans completed lab work and QI measures. Significant mean differences were found between scores on pre- and post-treatment measures for A1c levels, depressive symptoms, diabetes knowledge, distress, psychosocial self-efficacy and confidence to manage their diabetes. Post-treatment scores were significantly lower than pre-treatment scores for A1C levels, depressive symptoms, and diabetes distress. Post-treatment scores were significantly higher than pre-treatment scores for diabetes knowledge, psychosocial self-efficacy, and confidence. Conclusion: Findings expand on a previous QI study and demonstrate the efficacy of the DEG group at helping manage diabetes, reducing biopsychosocial complications and increasing knowledge. Future options for QI include evaluation of future programs (e.g., Diabetes Support Grp and DEG mobile app) to support current and alumni group members with maintenance of diabetes management skills learned. Disclosure N. Farrell: None. J. S. Shaheed: None. J. Davis: None. G. Valencia: None. R. Clark: None. D. J. Colella: None.