Comparison of the Effect of Peer and Family-Based Training on the Quality of Life of Rural Diabetic Elderly

Aims: Training has an important role in improving quality of life. The current study aimed to compare the effect of peer and family based training on the quality of life of rural diabetic elderly. Materials Methods: In this quasi-experimental study conducted in 2020, 30 older adults referring to Shahid Abad village health center in Babol, northern Iran, were randomly assigned to peer group (N=15) and family based training group (N=15). The intervention in both groups consisted of 6 sessions of 30 to 60 minutes for six weeks. Quality of life was assessed using the LEIPAD QOL questionnaire before, immediately, and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0., Fisher test, Independent t-test, Paired t-test, and MANCOVA. Findings: Before the intervention, the mean quality of life in the peer group was 61.35 ±16.49, and the family-based training group was 53.18 ±6.98, and there was no significant difference (p=0.147). According to paired t-test, changes in quality of life score in the family-based training group was significant in two time periods (before intervention to two months after intervention (p=0.048)), immediately after intervention to two months after intervention (p=0.036), but was not significant in the peer training group. Conclusion: Family-based training effectively affects the quality of life of rural diabetic elderly in two time periods.