268351 Integration of social identity principles into diabetes self-management education: Motivating improved diabetes management behavior

Monday, October 29, 2012

Janet Suttie, MA , Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Stefanie Ferreri, PharmD, CDE , UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Monica Gulisano, RD , Center for Joyful Eating, Chapel Hill, NC
Michael Huiras, MD, ABFP , Auburn Family Medical Center, Auburn, WA
Melanie Greene, MD , Grant Cypress Internal Medicine Maxwell Pointe, Greenville, SC
Richard Davis, MD , Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Social Identity Theory (SIT) describes important aspects of group behavior and provides a framework for applying novel approaches to Diabetes Self-management Education (DSME). Principles of SIT have explained social behavior based on group norms, but have not, to our knowledge, been applied to establish norms of healthier behavior. In this pilot study, an evidence-based DSME curriculum was modified to include social identity concepts promoting strong group cohesion and adoption of group norms. Three-way interactive video-conferencing was set-up between two diabetes patient groups from South Carolina (n=19) and Washington state (n=21), and a team of two educators in North Carolina. Small patient groups from SC were paired with similar-size groups in WA. New DSME approaches were introduced based on key factors integral to SIT. Educational materials and activities were modified to underscore similarities between members within a group, foster “friendly” competition between paired groups in SC and WA, encourage group-based support and learning, empower teams to choose and realize group goals, and create a positive environment, where patients with diabetes felt they belonged. Significant increases were observed baseline to post-intervention in health-related group norms and level of commitment and motivation to improve diabetes self-management behaviors. SIT offers a promising framework to facilitate adoption of behaviors for managing chronic illnesses, such as type II diabetes. Details of the modified DSME curriculum will be discussed and demonstrated using excerpts from live sessions.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe modifications introducing principles of social identity theory into diabetes self-management education programs. Design methods to assess group norms, descriptive norms, and motivation and commitment of program participants. Assess participant changes in levels of motivation and intention to improve disease management behaviors.

Keywords: Diabetes, Behavior Modification

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: as the principal investigator on this study, I oversaw the development and implementation of new approaches integrating principles of social identity theory into our previously tested, evidence-based diabetes self-management education curriculum. I was previously a health research specialist in the area of chronic disease management behavior for PogoHealth, LLC.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
Advanced TeleCare Diabetes Self-management Education Employment (includes retainer)

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.