Community Health Workers and Diabetes Education

Efficacy of Community Health Workers Education in Diabetes Control: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a diabetes education program delivered to CHW in improving the metabolic control of patients with type 2 DM.

The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted in a primary care unit. Eight CHW, providing care for 118 patients, are randomized in two groups to receive a one-month diabetes education program (intervention group, patients n= 62) or an education course in other health issues (control group, patients n= 56).

Background: In Brazil, community health workers (CHW) are members of the community hired by the government to provide education and care for patients for a broad range of health issues, including diabetes mellitus (DM). However, few CHW are trained for diabetes education and little is known about the effectiveness of their interventions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a diabetes education program delivered to CHW in improving the metabolic control of patients with type 2 DM.

Materials and methods: the study is a randomized controlled trial conducted in a primary care unit. Eight CHW, providing care for 118 patients, are randomized in two groups to receive a one-month diabetes education program (intervention group, patients n= 62) or an education course in other health issues (control group, patients n= 56). Each CHW is responsible for transmitting the acquired knowledge to patients from their respective working areas. The primary outcome is change in HbA1C three months after intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients with diabetes mellitus who live in the community of the health care unit and who agree to participate the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None.