A Scoping Review of Psychoeducational Interventions for Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Asian Countries.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that significantly affects patients' quality of life and mental health. Psychoeducational approaches have been recognized as an effective strategy to improve knowledge and self-care skills and to reduce psychological burden. However, scoping reviews focusing on psychoeducational interventions and their outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian contexts remain limited.

PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to identify, map, and synthesize existing evidence on psychoeducational interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian countries.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches were conducted across CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Taylor & Francis databases through July 28, 2025, complemented by manual searches in Google Scholar. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English that involved patients with diabetes types 2 in Asian countries. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, and data were synthesised through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

There were 13 RCT articles analyzed in this review. The psychoeducational interventions identified could be classified into three main models: cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based interventions, mindfulness and stress-reduction interventions, and educational and coaching-based interventions. The reported outcomes also clustered into three domains: psychological, behavioral/self-management, and clinical. The most consistent improvements were observed in psychological and behavioural outcomes, while clinical outcomes, such as reduced HbA1c, cortisol levels, and PAI-1, also improved.

CONCLUSION

Psychoeducational interventions are diverse and effective in improving psychological well-being and self-management among patients with diabetes in Asia. Culturally-based adaptation and integration into primary healthcare systems are essential to ensure sustainability and long-term effectiveness.