Internet communities: do they improve coping with diabetes?
The purpose of this study was to establish and evaluate a Web-based educational and emotional resource for patients with diabetes and their family members. Activity and characteristics of 331 953 user visits were tracked over 74 months, including a survey of user satisfaction. A 2004 survey showed that users were from 37 different countries, with most from the United States (87%) and Canada (4%). The average length of use was 16:44 minutes. Respondents (n = 791) to the satisfaction survey were 71% female, 46% were insulin users, 84% were aged >30 years, 34% had diabetes >10 years, and 39% visited more than 3 times. A total of 74% of all respondents rated participation in the discussion board as having a positive effect on coping with diabetes, and 71% rated participation as helping them to feel more hopeful. A professionally moderated Internet discussion group appears to be a useful strategy for engaging patients with diabetes and increasing perceived ability to cope with diabetes.
Zrebiec
John F
JF
MSW, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA. john.zrebiec@joslin.harvard.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction