Self-Management Interventions for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Thai Primary Care and Community Settings: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of mortality and economic burden, with significant impacts on health outcomes and quality of life. Effective self-management is crucial for controlling Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Thailand has implemented diverse self-management interventions for adults with T2DM in primary care and community settings, but the components, delivery, duration, and outcomes of these interventions have not been synthesized. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework, Joanna Briggs Institute guidance, and PRISMA-ScR, five databases were searched from inception to June 2025. Eligible English-language intervention studies involved Thai adults with T2DM in primary care or community settings. Study characteristics and outcomes were summarized descriptively and narratively. Twenty-one studies involving 2,162 participants were included; 11 were randomized controlled trials. Interventions lasted approximately 4 weeks to 9 months, most commonly 12 weeks. Activities formed a three-phase pattern: preparation through education and skills training; action through self-management practice, monitoring, and follow-up support; and evaluation of clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes. Most studies reported improvements in at least one outcome, but no clear pattern by intervention duration was evident. Evidence was concentrated in Bangkok and Central Thailand, and few studies reported systematic needs assessment, stakeholder involvement, long-term follow-up, or digital delivery.