Tablet-Aided BehavioraL intervention EffecT on Self-management skills (TABLETS) for Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Health Technology
• Behavioral Science
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Behavioral lifestyle interventions improve diabetes management and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes.
• Technology's role in diabetes management is supported, but its impact on minority populations is understudied.
• This study evaluates the Tablet-Aided Behavioral intervention Effect on Self-management skills (TABLETS) for low-income African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of the TABLETS intervention.
• To examine TABLETS's potential to improve health risk behaviors and reduce CVD risk in a specific population.
• To provide early evidence for a theory-driven, technology-based diabetes self-management intervention.

Main Methods:

• A two-arm pilot controlled trial with 60 participants (30 TABLETS, 30 usual care).
• The TABLETS intervention used culturally tailored, tablet-delivered videoconferencing for education and skills training.
• Outcomes assessed at baseline, 2.5 months, and 6.5 months, including physical activity, diet, medication adherence, HbA1c, and CVD risk factors.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes included physical activity, diet, medication adherence, and self-monitoring behavior.
• Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, LDL-C, BP, CVD risk, and quality of life.
• The study aimed to provide early evidence of intervention efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The TABLETS intervention shows potential for improving diabetes self-management behaviors and quality of life.
• This technology-aided approach can be valuable for high-risk, low-income populations with uncontrolled CVD risk factors.
• Findings will inform broader dissemination and refinement of the intervention for clinical settings.