Attending with family members, completion rate and benefits accrued from chronic disease self-management program

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) has been demonstrated effective in addressing the self-management of chronic conditions among older adults. With a higher attrition rate, this study investigated whether attending with family members influenced completion of and benefits accrued from the CDSMP.

The baseline data were collected from CDSMP participants in New York State (n = 4184), and the follow-up data were collected from completers (attended 4+ sessions) (n = 293). Multi-level logistic regression was employed to predict the association between family accompany and program completion. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the differences in benefits from CDSMP after six months.

Attending with family members was associated with a higher likelihood of completing the CDSMP (OR = 1.626, p < .05). All completers reported small but significant improvements in self-rated health at six months (p < .001), and the changes were greater for those with family members. Males, caregivers, those aged 65 to 84 years old, with college or above education, were more accompanied by family members. Workshops in senior centers, libraries, or educational institutions attracted more family companions.

Engaging family members may increase CDSMP participants' motivation to complete the program. CDSMP providers should encourage participants to attend with their family members.