Adherence-based experiences with a personalized self-care program for type 2 diabetes in South Korea: a mixed-methods...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management requires effective patient self-care.
• Personalized self-care (PSC) programs aim to improve T2D outcomes.
• Adherence to self-care programs is crucial for managing T2D.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient experiences with a personalized self-care (PSC) program for type 2 diabetes (T2D).
• To evaluate the impact of PSC program adherence on self-care activities and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over 18 months.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed-methods design utilizing qualitative interviews.
• 33 high-adherence (AG) and 17 low-adherence (NAG) participants were interviewed.
• Quantitative analysis compared pre-test and 18-month follow-up data.

Main Results:

• High adherence group (AG) utilized app self-monitoring, enhancing self-reflection and diabetes self-care.
• Low adherence group (NAG) cited low motivation and insufficient awareness as barriers.
• Significant improvements in foot care, general diet, and HbA1c levels were observed, particularly in the AG.

Conclusions:

• The PSC program effectively enhanced diabetes self-care activities, including diet, foot care, and HbA1c control.
• Mobile apps supporting PSC should incorporate goal setting, progress tracking, simplified data entry, and reminders to boost adherence.
• Personalized, technology-supported self-care interventions show promise for improving T2D management.