Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Patrick P. Dunn

Abstract

AbstractThe Veterans Health Administration has been one of the first to adopt the Whole Health approach in combination with therapeutic treatment, which is recommended to promote disease management and prevention of comorbidities associated with diabetes. However, this modality has not been adopted by the health care system. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the veterans who have been in the Whole Health Program in combination with therapeutic treatment and those who have only been focusing on the therapeutic treatment regimen. The variables were A1C levels and adhering to medication renewal to determine whether veterans in the program had better self-care management to help control their diabetes and prevent comorbidities. The behavior health model, which focuses on how peer-to-peer support can influence decision-making and promote positive behaviors, was used to show the effectiveness of the Whole Health Program. Chi-square tests were performed for both research questions, and multivariate logistic regression was used to control for age, gender, and veterans with a co-pay. The results of the Chi-square indicated that there were significant differences between the veterans in the Whole Health Program and those not in the program. Adding the covariant for age, gender, and co-pay did not change the result that Whole Health participants had significantly lower A1C and improved medication adherence. The p value for both variables was p = 0.001; therefore, indicating a statistically significant result. The positive social change of the study includes encouraging an inclusive environment for patients who have acquired an illness and will need support in the process of disease management.

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