@article{IR,
      recid = {1371},
      author = {Garofalo, Rebecca},
      title = {The Perceived Impact of Diabetes Support Groups},
      journal = {Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and  Major Papers Overview},
      school = {Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)},
      address = {2011},
      number = {IR},
      abstract = {A dearth o f research exists describing the perceived  impact o f diabetes support groups from the perspective o f  support group participants. This study examined the  subjective experience of being a participant in a diabetes  support group upon a person's physical and emotional well  being. Participants were recruited from a diabetes support  group and interviewed individually through a series of open  ended interview questions. The participants reported  various physical and emotional challenges related to their  diabetes. The support group was a source of information,  hope, shared experience and group problem solving as  individuals strived to maintain lifestyle behaviors  required to manage their diabetes. This support group was a  positive source of support for these participants. More  studies, with larger sample sizes, examining support group  interventions or strategies would be beneficial in order to  gain an understanding of which aspects of a support group  promote positive client outcomes. Advanced practice nurses  play a pivotal role in designing further studies that  examine the impact of support groups. This will enhance our  understanding of a support group's role in sustaining and  promoting positive health behaviors and well being. In  order to continue this form of support in the community,  health policy needs to address the funding of this resource  to sustain it as a tertiary intervention in the future.},
      url = {http://digitalcollections.ric.edu/record/1371},
}