[Differential impact and heterogeneous needs. A peer-led training program for improving chronic patients' health status and health behaviors].

OBJECTIVE

To measure the impact of the peer-led training for chronic patients on their health status and behaviors.

DESIGN

Descriptive, transversal pretest and posttest quantitative approach.

PLACEMENT: Andalusia.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine hundred sixty-four patients with Diabetes, fibromyalgia and heart failure, trained at the School of Patients between 2013 and 2015.

INTERVENTIONS: Peer-training intervention for self-efficacy for chronic patients.

MAIN MEASUREMENT: Self-reported health status, activity limitation, diet and physical activity. Statistical analysis included descriptive and bivariate statistics, correlation coefficient and net gains for paired variables.

RESULTS

Health status improved after the training, with less limitations and better diet and physical activity, with significant differences by sex, chronic illness, education level and marriage status. Improvement areas where identified for the training strategy, with special attention on the needs of more vulnerable groups (women, people with less education level).

CONCLUSIONS

The peer training had a positive impact, with differences depending on social profiles. 1-year and 2-years posttest measurements are needed and a qualitative study is required in order to better evaluate the peer-led strategy and to adapt it to participants' needs and expectations.