The influence of therapeutic education on diabetes-related distress and therapeutic adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes in Tetouan, Morocco

Introduction and aim. Diabetes-related distress is a prevalent issue that affects many patients, leading to challenges in ad hering to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications. By implementing therapeutic education programs, healthcare providers seek to enhance patients’ understanding of their condition, coping mechanisms, and treatment adherence. This study aims to explore the impact of therapeutic education on diabetes-related distress and therapeutic adherence among individuals diag nosed with type 2 diabetes. Material and methods. This quasi-experimental study involved 40 patients with type 2 diabetes receiving therapeutic educa tion during 6 Months from March 24 to September 30, 2022. Diabetes-related distress and adherence were assessed before and after the intervention using the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results. Wilcoxon signed rank tests revealed statistically significant improvements for all measures after the intervention. Patients showed improved DDS-17 scores (p<0.001) across all dimensions, and lower HbA1c levels (p<0.001). Pre- and post-inter vention mean difference across all measures show that the greatest improvements were seen in emotional distress (1.37) and treatment-related distress (1.2). Conclusion. Therapeutic education had a positive impact on therapeutic adherence and diabetes-related distress. It should be an integral part of type 2 diabetes care protocols in Morocco.