Evaluation of Clinical Mental Health Status and Diabetes Outcomes Associated with Participating in Group Diabetes Education at a Rural Community Health Center

Abstract

Specific Aims: To assess the impact of diabetes health education classes on diabetes health outcomes and mental health indicators. To determine if differences exist in the sample populations based on demographic variables. Methods: A retrospective chart review of a Federally Qualified Health Center's (FQHC) medical records was conducted for patients with newly diagnosed diabetes and co-morbid depression from July 2017 to June 2018. The patients were reviewed at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post diagnosis for clinical indicators including change in HbA1c, BMI, Weight, and PHQ-9. All variables were compared for those that participated in the classes versus those that did not; categorical variables were compared using Chi Square, and differences in means were compared using independent t tests. Main Results: There was no significant difference between the class and no class group in gender, mean age, languages spoken, tobacco use, rurality (measured by rural urban commuting area codes), and index of need. The races and marital status of the no class and class group did have a significant difference with a Chi-square of 0.05 and 0.041, respectively. The mean difference in change from baseline to follow-up for each patient in the HbA1c No Class (-0.38) and Class (-0.98) and PHQ-9 No Class (-0.15) and Class (-3.90) were significant for a p value of 0.013 and 0.005, respectively. There was no significant mean difference in changes weight or BMI. Conclusions: Diabetes health education classes offered at the FQHC reduced both HbA1c and PHQ-9 in patients with type 2 diabetes.