Participation in self-help groups: impact on self-management and knowledge

Abstract

Self-help groups (SHGs) are an inherent part of patient involvement and play an important role in the healthcare system. Until now, however, there has been alack of systematic investigations and quantitative data about the individual impact of self-help for patients and relatives. This study presents the results of acomparison between members of SHGs and non-members. Thereby, the effects of self-help shall be described in terms of empowerment and self-management. The study is part of the project "Health-related Collective Self-Help in Germany" (Gesundheitsbezogene Selbsthilfe in Deutschland-SHILD) funded by the Federal Ministry of Health. The study was conducted with patients from five therapeutic areas (diabetes mellitus type2, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, relatives of dementia patients). Participants administered amultidimensional questionnaire (paper-and-pencil or online). Of the 2870 participants in this analysis, 49% were active members of SHGs. Statistical analysis showed some significant, but small differences between the two groups in five out of sevenscales of the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) in favour of the SHG members. Furthermore, SHG members performed better in specific knowledge tests. Members see the importance of their group especially in social inclusion, psychosocial relief, coping with the disease and new insights in dealing with the disease. With respect to the study design we cannot rule out that differences might be based on personal characteristics influencing the decision to participate in aSHG or not. But as the results are controlled for confounders, the hypothesis that SHG participation has apositive impact on the outcomes rather than vice versa seems supported.