Effectiveness of Culturally Tailored Interventions on Self-Management in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Given evidence that existing "one size fits all" diabetes self-management education approaches are not a universal fit for all people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cultural tailoring of interventions is undertaken to better meet specific needs of underserved population groups.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of culturally tailored self-management interventions in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The search retrieved 1402 articles of which 17 studies (15 randomized controlled trials and 2 quasi-experimental studies) were included, with 7 studies in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Most studies (n = 9) were conducted in the United States of America among ethnic minority groups. Of the 17 studies, 14 measured self-management behaviors with 9 showing substantial improvements in adherence to self-management behaviors (i.e., diet, foot care, medication, physical activity, self-testing of blood glucose). The meta-analysis showed that there was significant improvement in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (-0.57 [95% CI -1.15, -0.25] p < 0.01) post intervention.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Culturally tailored interventions have the potential to improve HbA1c and self-management behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. While maintaining a collaborative approach with experts including nurses, future interventions should adopt participatory approaches with persons living with T2DM and their families, considering their perspectives, unique needs, and priorities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO number: CRD42022375630.

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