The Effect of Family-Based Telephone Follow-Up on Self-Care of Patients with Diabetes

Introduction: Family-centered education of patients with diabetes mellitus can play an important role in controlling the disease and reducing its complications. Objective: The present study aims to determine the effect of family-based telephone follow-up about self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Uromia. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial study investigated 60 patients with diabetes. These 60 patients were randomly enrolled and divided into control (n = 30) and intervention (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received family-centered follow-up for three months. The data collection tool was demographic, the diabetes self-care questionnaire was completed through in-person interviews before and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square, T-test, and Mann-Whitney test). Results: The results of this study showed that after the family-based telephone follow-up, the mean self-care scores and the dimensions (nutrition, physical activity, blood glucose control, foot care, and self-care) were significantly different between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the mean scores of adherence to the medication regimen after the intervention between the two groups. Conclusion: Family-oriented follow-up by a nurse can have important effects on self-care and its dimensions (nutrition, physical activity, blood glucose control, and foot care) in patients with diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses follow up and educate the family members of patients to participate in diabetes care.