Changes in quality of life indicators among Chronic Disease Self-Management Program participants: an examination by race and ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in self-reported quality of life indicators among Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) participants from baseline to 6-month followup and compare observed changes by racial and ethnic group.

DESIGN

A pre-post evaluation design was employed for this evidence-based chronic disease self-management intervention. Data were collected at baseline and again six months post intervention.

SETTING

Using the aging services network and public health system, workshops were hosted in a variety of community settings including senior centers, churches, libraries, and health care settings.

PARTICIPANTS

One-hundred thirty-six adults aged > or =50 years residing in Bexar County, Texas.

INTERVENTIONS

CDSMP is an evidence-based program created at Stanford University. The program was held one time per week for six consecutive weeks. Each session lasted approximately 150 minutes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Health-related quality of life indicators developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ie, total number of unhealthy physical days, unhealthy mental days).

RESULTS

From baseline to 6-month follow-up, significant differences by racial/ethnic group were observed for changes in unhealthy physical days and changes in combined unhealthy days. Hispanic participants showed greatest improvement, followed by African American participants, followed by non-Hispanic White participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate health-related quality of life improvements can be sustained months after the conclusion of CDSMP. Given gains seen among minority participants and forthcoming demographic shifts in this Texas region, community-driven interventions should be expanded as part of broader efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health.