Impact of Family-Based Empowering Model on the Perceived Threat and Self-Efficacy of Families of Diabetic Elderly at Risk of Falling

Abstract: Background and Aims Diabetes mellitus as a chronic disease is a source of stress for family members, especially if changes due to complications of the disease cause conflicts in family roles and duties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of family-based empowerment program on perceived threats and self-efficacy of families of diabetic elderlies at risk of falling. Methods This is a clinical trial study performed on 60 elderly active members of the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were referred to Endocrinology Subspecialty Center in Bojnord City, Iran in 2016. The study samples were selected by convenience sampling method and after matching their demographic characteristics, they were randomly divided into control group (n=30) and experimental group (n=30) (simply using even and odd numbers for each group). Family-based empowerment intervention was administered to the experimental group for eight 45-minute sessions. The data collection tool was a researcher-made threat and self-efficacy questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 and analyzed at a significant level of P<0.05. Results The mean (SD) scores of the perceived threat dimension in the experimental group before the intervention were 55.03(7.26) for its severity and 55.16(7.56) for its sensitivity. Also, The mean (SD) self-efficacy score of the experimental was 56.36(6.92) before the intervention. After the intervention in the experimental group, the severity score increased to 64.4(23.71) and sensitivity to 64.60(4.33) and self-efficacy to 63.90(4.70) (P 0.05). Conclusion Based on the results, implementing a family-based empowerment program has increased knowledge, improved attitudes and self-efficacy in the families diabetic elderly, helped them to care and adopt preventive measures. Thus, we suggest interventions like family-based empowerment model for prevention; improving and promoting the quality of care; and encouraging independence of the elderly.