Peer XXXX : an intervention for individuals struggling with @entity6 .

@entity15285 @entity1 @entity413 @entity6
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of peer @entity15285 and its influence on behavior change. METHODS: Coaches who were known to be successfully managing their @entity6 were paired with individuals who were struggling with behavior change associated with managing @entity6 . The pairs were matched according to age, sex, and physical appearance. Coaches met initially with @entity1 in a face-to-face meeting for 1 hour and talked with them once a week for 10 to 15 minutes for the next 8 weeks. The initial interview and subsequent phone conversations focused on the @entity1 's problems and efforts at behavior change. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the pairs participated in a videotaped focus group to discuss their views on @entity15285 and its influence on behavior change. @entity1 reported that @entity15285 was personal, useful in disease management, and helpful in their quest to establish and adhere to routines of care. @entity1 also reported making progress toward changing their behavior related to diet, exercise, and blood @entity413 monitoring. Sustained behavior change was not measured. CONCLUSIONS: Peer @entity15285 appears to have merit as a viable, low-cost intervention with the potential of helping individuals with @entity6 who need to change their behavior.
