Telecommunication support for rural women with diabetes.
The Women to Women Diabetes Project tested the use of telecommunication technology to deliver diabetes education and social support to rural women with diabetes. The aims were to (1) test the effects of the computer intervention in providing support, information, and education on selected outcomes, and (2) evaluate the women's attitudes toward and satisfaction with the intervention and the support provided.



Thirty women were randomized into computer and noncomputer groups and participated for 10 months. For 5 months, one group participated in a self-help support and educational group via the computer; the other group continued to use their usual modes of support and communication. Psychosocial well-being scales were administered and attitudes were surveyed.



Improving health and higher educational levels positively influenced measures of social support and quality of life. Women who were married or who reported greater support had higher scores on the Personal Resource Questionnaire. The women expressed positive effects of the computer-based support group on their lives.



The intervention was enthusiastically accepted, and could be conducted effectively in isolated rural areas.
Smith
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Kare Korps, Billings, Montana (Ms Smith)
Weinert
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Montana State University, College of Nursing, Bozeman, Montana (Dr  Weinert)
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014930:Women / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*