Near and long-term effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective To observe the near-and long-term effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on psychological flexibility, self-efficacy, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 96 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to Zhuzhou Central Hospital during the period from January to December 2017 were selected as subjects. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the control group and the ACT group, 48 cases in each group. The control group was given regular health education, and the ACT group was given ACT-oriented health education. The psychological flexibility, self-efficacy and glycemic control of the two groups were compared before intervention, 7 weeks after intervention and 1 year after intervention. Results After 7 weeks of intervention, the psychological flexibility and self-efficacy scores of the ACT group was (21.47±4.89) and (8.96±1.70) respectively, the control group was (25.28±6.33) and (7.80±1.42) respectively. After 1 year of intervention, the psychological flexibility and self-efficacy scores of the ACT group was (23.87±5.03) and (8.09±1.38) respectively, and the control group was (27.19±5.48) and (6.97±1.24) respectively. The ACT group was significantly better than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-3.300-4.044, P<0.01). After 7 weeks of intervention, the effective rate of blood glucose control in the ACT group was 93.75% (45/48), and the control group was 75.00% (36/48). After 1 year of intervention, the effective rate of blood glucose control in the ACT group was 86.96% (40/46), and the control group was 65.91% (29/44). The ACT group was significantly higher than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=6.400, 5.569, P<0.05). Conclusions The application of health education activities based on ACT is significant in patients with type 2 diabetes, can significantly improve the patient's near-term psychological flexibility and self-efficacy, conducive to better long-term blood sugar management. Key words: Acceptance and commitment therapy; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Health education