Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes increases healthcare load and seriously compromises quality of life. This study aimed to develop a hospital-based educational and follow-up strategy at Ziaeian Hospital and assess how it affected the diabetic patients' health outcomes. METHODS: This study was a community-level intervention based on Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). The study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 at Ziaeian Hospital in District 17 of Tehran, involving 312 diabetic patients. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: the intervention group (n = 156) and the control group (n = 156). The intervention group received structured education, continuous follow-up, and family engagement, while the control group underwent standard treatment. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and the SF-36 quality of life assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.02, with significance set at P < 0.05. The statistical tests employed included t-tests, Chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact test, and paired t-test. RESULT: The mortality rate in the control group was therefore 9.03%, higher than the 5.52% noted in the intervention group. Baseline clinical markers (FBS, HbA1c, triglycerides, cholesterol, and BMI) showed no appreciable differences across the groups. Though no significant changes in social functioning, mental health, or physical performance, the intervention group showed notable improvements in overall quality of life (p = 0.0053), general health (p < 0.0001), energy/fatigue (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, systematic instruction and continuous monitoring improved quality of life and lower mortality among diabetics. These results highlight the need of patient monitoring in diabetes management as well as of hospital-based training programs.