title: Using computerized text analysis to assess communication within an Italian type 1 diabetes Facebook group.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess messages posted by mothers of children with type 1 diabetes in the Italian Facebook group "Mamme e diabete" using computerized text analysis. The data suggest that these mothers use online discussion boards as a place to seek and provide information to better manage the disease's daily demands-especially those tasks linked to insulin correction and administration, control of food intake, and bureaucratic duties, as well as to seek and give encouragement and to share experiences regarding diabetes and related impact on their life. The implications of these findings for the management of diabetes are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Alda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Troncone
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Crescenzo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cascella
authors.affiliation: Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonietta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chianese
authors.affiliation: Department of the Woman, of the Child and of the General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iafusco
keywords: Facebook group; children; computerized text analysis; mothers; type 1 diabetes