Problematization educational intervention to promote healthy habits in elderly people with diabetes: randomized clinical trial.

Borba, Anna Karla de Oliveira Tito; Arruda, Ilma Kruze Grande de; Marques, Ana Paula de Oliveira; Leal, Márcia Carrera Campos; Diniz, Alcides da Silva; Linhares, Francisca Márcia Pereira

OBJECTIVE to assess the effects of a problematization educational intervention to promote healthy habits in elderly people with diabetes. METHODS a randomized clinical trial conducted with 202 individuals drawn for the intervention group and the control group. The intervention consisted of problematization educational activities on a monthly basis for over six months. The control group participated in conventional monitoring at the health unit. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews before and after the intervention, in addition to laboratory tests. RESULTS after the intervention, when compared to the control group, there was an increase in knowledge about the disease (p<0.001), positive attitude towards self-care (p=0.011), physical activity (p=0.020), diet variety (p=0.002), and lower consumption of oils and fats (p<0.05). CONCLUSION the intervention performed has a beneficial effect to promote healthy habits.