Effect of a nursing-based information-motivation-behavioral model on older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently encounter challenges, including a diminished capacity for self-management, a high prevalence of negative emotions, and cognitive decline and physiological changes attributable to long-term disease burden, leading to compromised glycemic control and impaired quality of life. Traditional diabetes nursing interventions often lack systematic strategies to address the psychological and cognitive needs specific to this patient population. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model is a theoretical framework designed to promote health behavioral changes; however, research investigating its specific application in regulating psychological state and managing cognitive function in older patients with T2DM remains limited.

To investigate the effectiveness of a nursing intervention based on the IMB model in older patients with T2DM.

Data from 86 older patients with T2DM were divided into 2 groups: intervention (structured IMB model-based nursing + routine care [n = 43]); and control (conventional T2DM care [n = 43]). Psychological state (Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales [SAS, SDS]), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]), glycemic control (fasting blood glucose [FBG], 2 h postprandial blood glucose [2hPBG], and glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), and satisfaction with nursing were compared between the 2 groups before and after a three-month intervention.

SAS and SDS scores significantly decreased in both groups after intervention, with a more pronounced reduction in the intervention group (P < 0.05). MMSE and MoCA scores improved in both groups, with significantly higher scores in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Glycemic control (FBG, 2hPBG, and HbA1c) improved substantially in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Satisfaction with nursing among the intervention group (95.35%) was significantly greater than that in the control group (79.07%) (P < 0.05).

The IMB model-based nursing intervention alleviates anxiety and depression, improves cognitive function, enhances glycemic control, and increases satisfaction with nursing in older patients with T2DM, thus meriting broader clinical implementation.