Design and pilot testing of an educational strategy based on behavioral and communication models within Mutual Aid Groups to improve the lifestyle of people living with type 2 diabetes in Mexico

Authors

  • Alejandra Jiménez Aguilar National Institute of Public Health of Mexico image/svg+xml
  • Georgina Eugenia Bazán-Riverón Enfermedades Crónicas, Unidad de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Ciencias de la Salud y la Educación (UIICSE), División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, U.N.A.M. México
  • Ignacio Méndez-Gómez-Humarán Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas, A.C., Unidad Aguascalientes, México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20318/recs.2025.9099

Keywords:

Type 2 diabetes, Mutual Aid Groups, Mexico, diabetes education, lifestyle

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Mutual Aid Groups (MAGs) are essential for the self-care of people living with type 2 diabetes (PLD) in Mexico. However, they have areas for improvement, particularly in communication between healthcare providers and PLD. Objective: To design and pilot a Healthy Living Educational Strategy for PLD (HLED) and evaluate its impact on their lifestyle. Methodology: The HLED was implemented in two MAGs (urban and rural) in Cuernavaca, Morelos. It was based on behavioral models and structured on the Multimedia Training Methodology, grounded in the Theoretical Model of Communication for Development and the Participatory Communication Model. The strategy included four monthly theoretical-practical workshops. Pre- and post-tests were conducted using the Validated Instrument to Measure the Lifestyle of PLD, generating a lifestyle index (0–100; higher scores indicate healthier lifestyles). Multiple regression models were used to evaluate the impact. Results: The study included 19 women and 4 men (mean age: 56.2 ± 10 years). Participants attending all workshops scored 34.04 points higher on the lifestyle index compared to those attending only one workshop (95% CI: 20.77, 47.31; p<0.01). Conclusion: The HLED shows potential to improve the lifestyle of PLD in MAGs.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Georgina Eugenia Bazán-Riverón, Enfermedades Crónicas, Unidad de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Ciencias de la Salud y la Educación (UIICSE), División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, U.N.A.M. México

    Full Professor in the Research and Postgraduate Division of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Georgina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology as well as a Master's Degree in Behavior Modification from UNAM. She completed four postgraduate degrees abroad: a Diploma in Higher Studies with a Specialization in Infant, Adolescent and Adult Psychopathology; Specialization in Methodology and Behavioral Sciences; and a Master's Degree in Psychopathology/Psychopathological Research. She holds a Doctorate in the Psychopathology of Infants, Adolescents and Adults from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Spain. Georgina works as a Tutor at public and private universities, and serves as CONAHCyT-RCEA reviewer of medical and psychological journals.

  • Ignacio Méndez-Gómez-Humarán, Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas, A.C., Unidad Aguascalientes, México

    Ignacio studied applied statistics and has participated in various national projects as a biostatistician. He has collaborated as researcher and director with the Statistics Department of the Colegio de la Frontera Norte at the National Fisheries Institute, and is currently a Technician with the Mathematics Research Center, Aguascalientes Campus. In addition, he serves as an advisor and statistical consultant at the Evaluation and Survey Research Center of the National Institute of Public Health. Ignacio has published his works in a number of widely disseminated publications. His primary area of interest is statistics applied to science and public health.

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2025-12-19

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Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025)

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Design and pilot testing of an educational strategy based on behavioral and communication models within Mutual Aid Groups to improve the lifestyle of people living with type 2 diabetes in Mexico. (2025). Revista Española De Comunicación En Salud, 16(2), 7-21. https://doi.org/10.20318/recs.2025.9099