Outcomes of Border Health Spanish/English Chronic Disease Self-management Programs

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the community-based Chronic Disease Self-management Program (CDSMP) and the Spanish-language version (Tomando Control de Su Salud) programs as delivered in settings along the Texas/New Mexico/Mexico border. The programs had proven effective in randomized trials, and the authors wished to determine if they would be as effective when administered by others to different populations. Methods The El Paso Diabetes Association administered the CDSMP and Tomando to 445 persons with chronic illness (two thirds with diabetes) in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Four-month and 1-year outcomes were compared to baseline using t tests of change scores. Regression models were used to test whether baseline demographics and self-efficacy were associated with positive outcomes of the programs. Results Participants showed improvements in health behaviors, health status, and self-efficacy at both 4 month and 1 year. Baseline self-efficacy and 4-month change in self-efficacy were significantly associated with improved 1- year outcomes. Conclusions The CDSMP and Tomando are effective when used in settings other than that of the original study for populations other than those for which they were initially developed.