Impact of dose adjustment for normal eating in Australia (OzDAFNE) on subjective wellbeing, coping resources and negative affects in adults with type 1 diabetes: a prospective comparison study.

AIM: This prospective study examined the impact of a structured education program (OzDAFNE) on subjective wellbeing, coping resources, and negative affects in adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants completing the OzDAFNE program were compared to those using continuous subcutaneous insulin (CSII) and multiple daily injections (MDI) over the same time period.
METHODS: Participants in the OzDAFNE group (N=144) were recruited from diabetes centres throughout Australia. The comparison groups were recruited from Diabetes Australia-Victoria's membership database and comprised 383 people using MDI and 64 people using CSII. All participants completed self-report questionnaires at baseline and 12-months later. Additional assessments for OzDAFNE participants were conducted at the end of the education program and at three and six-months following the training.
RESULTS: The results demonstrated that participants completing the OzDAFNE program experienced improved subjective wellbeing (p<.01), a greater sense of mastery and control in managing their diabetes (p<.001), and reduced diabetes-related distress (p<.001) compared to the CSII and MDI groups. However, the CSII group recorded a significant drop in self-esteem (p<.001) over the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS: The OzDAFNE program provides a powerful mastery experience for participants, positively influencing subjective wellbeing and diabetes-related distress.