Abstract

IntroductionCommunity health workers (CHWs) can improve diabetes outcomes; however, questions remain about translating research findings into practical low-intensity models for safety-net providers. We tested the effectiveness of a home-based low-intensity CHW intervention for improving health outcomes among low-income adults with diabetes.MethodsLow-income patients with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 8.0% or higher in the 12 months before enrollment from 3 safety-net providers were randomized to a 12-month CHW-delivered diabetes self-management intervention or usual care. CHWs were based at a local health department. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from baseline enrollment to 12 months; secondary outcomes included blood pressure and lipid levels, quality of life, and health care use.ResultsThe change in HbA1c in the intervention group (n = 145) (unadjusted mean of 9.09% to 8.58%, change of −0.51) compared with the control group (n = 142) (9.04% to 8.71%, change of −0.33) was not significant (P = .54). In an analysis of participants with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >10%), the intervention group had a 1.23-point greater decrease in HbA1c compared with controls (P = .046). For the entire study population, we found a decrease in reported physician visits (P < .001) and no improvement in health-related quality of life (P = .07) in the intervention group compared with the control group.ConclusionA low-intensity CHW-delivered intervention to support diabetes self-management did not significantly improve HbA1c relative to usual care. Among the subgroup of participants with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >10% at baseline), the intervention was effective.

Highlights

  • Community health workers (CHWs) can improve diabetes outcomes; questions remain about translating research findings into practical low-intensity models for safety-net providers

  • We found no differences between the intervention and control groups in baseline blood pressure or lipid levels or in the number of outpatient clinic visits or emergency department encounters (Table 2)

  • We found no change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values in the intervention group compared with the control group (P = .54)

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Summary

Introduction

Community health workers (CHWs) can improve diabetes outcomes; questions remain about translating research findings into practical low-intensity models for safety-net providers. We tested the effectiveness of a home-based low-intensity CHW intervention for improving health outcomes among low-income adults with diabetes. Low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations have a high disease burden [1]. Using community health workers (CHWs) may be an effective approach with disadvantaged populations [3,4]. A recent meta-analysis reported modest effects for CHW interventions for patients with diabetes [3]. Many previous studies were conducted in single sites or targeted racial or ethnic minority groups. Studies varied widely in the intensity of the CHW intervention, with visit frequencies ranging from 4 to 36 [3]

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