Evaluation of an internet diabetes self-management training program for adolescents and young adults.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
There are inadequate information and support resources available for adolescents and young adults with diabetes. This article describes the pilot phase of an Internet program to assist these individuals who are transitioning to adult-centered medical care.

METHODS:
We developed an online program consisting of background information on diabetes, goal-setting exercises with individualized feedback, role-playing, group discussions, empowerment activities, and communication skills training designed to improve interactions with health professionals. We provided low-income participants enrolled in the study with recycled desktop computers and dial-up Internet service. They also received encouragement and computer use reminders from a diabetes educator. During a 6-month intervention period, we monitored participant utilization of the Internet program.

RESULTS:
We recruited a convenience sample of 19 young adults with diabetes from the Chicago Childhood Diabetes Registry, as well as from two inner-city clinics. Participants accessed the program 4,445 times, with the discussion board receiving the greatest activity (2,256 total posted and read messages). Participants used the program most frequently at night, with an overall gradual decline in computer use over the 6-month period. To help maintain utilization, the diabetes educator placed a total of 439 telephone calls over 6 months (15-38 calls per participant).

CONCLUSIONS:
The study demonstrated feasibility of using an Internet program to meet the informational and social needs of adolescents and young adults with diabetes. Participant involvement relied heavily upon reminders and encouragement from a diabetes educator and immediate family members.

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Author information

Author/s: Gerber, Ben S (BS); Solomon, Marla C (MC); Shaffer, Tracie L (TL); Quinn, Michael T (MT); Lipton, Rebecca B (RB);

Affiliation: Section of Health Promotion Research, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60608, USA. bgerber(-atsign-)uic.edu

Grants: P60 DK20595 (Agency:NIDDK NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Diabetes technology & therapeutics (Diabetes Technol Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Feb; vol 9 (issue 1) : pp 60-7

Dates: Created 2007/02/23; Completed 2007/03/20; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 17316099, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Age Factors
Diabetes Mellitus - therapy
Female
Humans
Internet

Internet
Male
Patient Education as Topic - methods
Pilot Projects
Self-Help Groups
Urban Population

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