The effect of life skills training on reducing domestic violence and improving treatment adherence in women with diabetes experiencing intimate partner violence: a randomized clinical trial based on the theory of self-efficacy.

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health problem and the cause of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. It has a negative effect on adherence to treatment, decreases self-efficacy beliefs, and intensifies stress in women. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of life skills training based on the self-efficacy theory on IPV and adherence to treatment in women with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This trial was conducted using a pretest-posttest design and follow-up after one month. The samples included 100 women selected by convenience sampling with random block allocation with type 2 diabetes and IPV. The intervention consisted of 8 sessions over one month of life skills training based on self-efficacy theory. Participants completed questionnaires at pre-test, post-test and follow-up, including a demographic information form and questionnaires on IPV and treatment adherence. Considered statistically significant at P < 0. 05.

RESULTS

The mean changes in IPV scores from the pre-test to the post-test were - 8.38 ± 4.06 and - 0.06 ± 3.09 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Also, the reduction in the intervention group was significantly more than in the control group (P < 0.001; 95%CI=-9.75; -6.89). The mean changes in IPV scores from post-test to follow-up were - 1.36 ± 3.47 and 1.50 ± 4.14 in intervention and control groups, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001; 95%CI=-4.38; -1.34). The mean changes in adherence scores from the pre-test to the post-test were 11.40 ± 4.23 and 0.68 ± 3.49 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The increase was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.001; 95%CI = 9.18; 12.26). The mean changes in adherence scores from post-test to follow-up were 2.68 ± 5.06 and - 0.86 ± 2.43 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001; 95%CI = 1.95; 5.12).

CONCLUSION

Life skills training based on self-efficacy theory reduced IPV and improved treatment compliance in women with diabetes under IPV. It is recommended that this training be taught to other patients with chronic conditions as a means of violence prevention and treatment adherence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) on 13 October 2022 and can be found on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials platform. IRCT registration number: IRCT20090522001930N6.