RESULTS OF “TOMANDO CONTROL DE SU SALUD” ONLINE, IN PEOPLE WITH NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN MEXICO AND PERU DURING COVID-19

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are a growing global concern that affects both healthcare and quality of life. Chronic disease self-management programs, such as “Tomando Control de su Salud” (TCS), have become effective strategies to address this problem. PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the TCS program, online version, in the self-management and self-efficacy variables, in samples of people with NCD from Mexico and Peru, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: The study design was quasi-experimental with independent measurements (interventions and controls) and online measurements, at the beginning and end of the intervention; evaluated with the Partners in Health Scale and the Self-Efficacy Scale. Changes over time were examined using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Out of the 114 participants, most were women (83.3%) with an average age of 58.8 years. Before the intervention, the groups were equal in the study variables. No significant increase in the study variables was found in the control group; however, there was a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy and self-management in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: The online TCS program contributed to increased self-efficacy, self-management, disease knowledge, treatment adherence, and symptom management in participants with NCD from Mexico and Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. This supports evidence that the program improves the health and quality of life of those living with these illnesses.