Common Sense Model program on illness perceptions in patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia

Background: Illness perceptions are important for patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH), as they determine health-related behaviors and motivations. Patients with IAH in many countries have poor illness perception, and there is a paucity of research exploring the effectiveness of Common Sense Model (CSM)-based interventions in this population.Objective: To investigate the effects of a CSM-based intervention program on perceptions of illness in patients with insulin-treated T2DM and IAH.Design: Quasi-randomized controlled trial.Methods: 78 patients with IAH receiving routine care were included. The intervention group (n = 39) participated in a CSM-based program, whereas the control group (n = 39) did not. Illness perceptions, coping styles, hypoglycemia fear, and awareness of hypoglycemia at baseline, 1, and 3 months were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in consequences (β = -1.615, P = 0.032); personal control (β = -1.897, P = 0.006); treatment control (β = -1.274, P = 0.046); and positive coping style (β = 4.872, P = 0.002) at the 3-month follow-up, and timeline (β = 2.769, P = 0.004) at the 1-month follow-up. Hypoglycemia fear and awareness were not significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group. No intervention-related adverse events were observed.Conclusions: A CSM-based intervention program can modify illness perceptions to an extent and improve the positive coping style in patients with IAH.Impact statementNurses should conduct a CSM-based intervention program to help patients with IAH improve illness perceptions.