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Diabetes buddies: peer support through a mobile phone buddy system
Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus1, Mark Tomlinson2, Margaret Gwegwe3
1Center for Community Health, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (Dr Rotheram-Borus, Dr Comulada)
The Diabetes Educator
|May 2, 2012
Summary
This study found that mobile phone peer support for diabetes self-management in resource-poor settings was feasible, though results showed mixed health outcomes. Continued engagement suggests potential for mobile health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Diabetes self-management
- Global health
Background:
- Diabetes self-management is crucial, especially in resource-poor settings.
- Mobile phone interventions offer a scalable approach to health support.
- Peer support can enhance patient engagement and adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile phone-based peer support intervention for diabetes self-management among women in resource-poor settings.
- To explore the intervention's potential to motivate diabetes-related health choices.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week mobile phone peer support program was implemented with 22 women with diabetes in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Participants exchanged text messages for support and daily health behavior monitoring.
- Data were collected via mobile phone interviews at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, assessing technology uptake, clinical measures, and behavioral changes.
Main Results:
- High engagement was observed, with extensive text messaging and consistent attendance at intervention sessions.
- Improvements were noted in sleep, positive coping, and social support, but blood glucose levels increased.
- Spiritual hope decreased and diastolic blood pressure increased between 3 and 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Mobile phones provide a feasible and reliable platform for peer support and health messaging in diabetes management.
- The pilot study indicated both positive and negative changes, highlighting the complexity of self-management interventions.
- Long-term engagement suggests the potential utility of mobile health strategies for diabetes care.
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