The effectiveness of peer support on self-efficacy and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peer support has been suggested as a promising approach for diabetes management. No conclusive evidence exists on the effects of peer support on self-efficacy and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of peer support on self-efficacy and the quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Allied Health Literature database guide for relevant literatures from inception to 30 September 2017.

REVIEW METHODS: The review was conducted according to the guidelines of Cochrane Collaboration. The outcomes were self-efficacy and quality of life. The standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pooled results.

RESULTS: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled results revealed that peer support did not significantly improve self-efficacy and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes, but significantly improved self-efficacy and quality of life in studies with intervention duration ≤6 months. There was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION: Peer support intervention did not lead to better effects on the improvement in self-efficacy and quality of life among adults with type 2 diabetes. However, peer support with intervention duration not more than 6 months had positive effects on self-efficacy and quality of life. More high-quality studies with large sample size are needed to support or counter the results.