Table 4

The intervention strategies responsible for the experienced changes according to the respondents

General objectiveIntervention strategies during the interventionHow many and which participants considered these strategies responsible for the changes they experienced? (n=17)
1. Extending participants’ diabetes-related social networks, facilitating the exchange of social support and positive social influences.Group meetings for patients with diabetes, phases 1 and 2

  • Participants took part in interactive games and energisers (including walking together).

9 respondents from 3 Dutch, 1 Surinamese and 1 Turkish women group

  • Participants were regularly invited to talk about their self-management problems and to ask group members for advice.

8 respondents from 4 Dutch groups

  • Participants were encouraged to phone and/or meet up with each other outside of the group meetings.

1 respondent from a Surinamese group
2. Increasing participants’ abilities to handle social influences that hinder their self-management, such as norms, peer pressure and temptations.Group meetings for patients with diabetes, phase 1

  • Group discussions (tips and tricks) were held about social situations in which managing diabetes is difficult.

5 respondents from 3 Dutch groups

  • Participant practised these strategies with group members during role-playing exercises.

4 respondents from 2 Dutch, 1 Surinamese and 1 Turkish women group
Group meetings for patients with diabetes, phase 2

  • An action plan was drawn up in which social influences and dealing with social influences played an important part (group meetings). Together with other group members, the person with diabetes came up with strategies and solutions to overcome these difficulties.

6 respondents from 3 Dutch and 1 Turkish women group
3. Increasing the engagement and support of the participants’ significant others in self-management.Social network therapy session, phase 2

  • Together with their significant others, participants agreed on an action plan in which the significant others play an active role in their self-management.

5 respondents from 3 Dutch and 1 Turkish women group
Group meetings for significant others, phases 1 and 210 respondents from 5 Dutch, 1 Turkish women and 1 Moroccan men group