Results of a successful telephonic intervention to improve diabetes control in urban adults: A randomized trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - To compare the effectiveness of a telephonic and a print intervention over 1 year to improve diabetes control in low-income urban adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A randomized trial in Spanish and English comparing a telephonic intervention implemented by health educators with a print intervention. Participants (N=526) had an A1C≥7.5% and were prescribed one or more oral agents. All were members of a union/employer jointly sponsored health benefit plan. Health coverage included medications. Primary outcomes were A1C and pharmacy claims data; secondary outcomes included self-report of two medication adherence measures and other self-care behaviors. RESULTS - Participants were 62% black and 23% Hispanic; 77% were foreign born, and 42% had annual family incomes