Seeking Health Information and Social Support in the Diabetes Online Community
Allyson Hughes1, Nazanin Heydarian2, Diana Gerardo3
1Department of Primary Care, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH, United States.
Purpose:
People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) search for health information online in the Diabetes Online Community (DOC), where individuals with diabetes, researchers and caregivers post and respond to health questions. The aims of this study were 1) to understand how people with T1D are seeking health information and engaging in health behaviors in the DOC, and 2) develop a measure of online health information seeking in adults with T1D.
Research Method:
Ninety-five adults with T1D completed qualitative prompts online.
Results:
Themes that emerged in this study included sense of community, and multiple types of social support that are necessary in disease management.
Conclusions:
This study used qualitative methods to develop a valid scale tailored for adults with T1D. Future research should seek to collect additional data to bolster validity and reliability.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...


