Community-Driven Priorities in Smartphone Application Development: Leveraging Social Networks to Self-Manage Type 2 Diabetes in a Low-Income African American Neighborhood.

Pamela J Surkan,Laura M Sena,Ylva Trolle Lagerros,Larry W Chang,Joel Gittelsohn,Wayne W Zachary,Kathryne S Mezzanotte,Charlene C Quinn

doi:10.3390/ijerph16152715

Abstract

Social networks have the potential to enhance Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) self-management. We used qualitative methods to study if and how mobile application (app) functions that mobilize social resources to improve T2DM management would be desired in a low-income African American community. Data were collected through community discussions and in-depth interviews with 78 participants in 2016–2018. Participants included individuals with self-reported pre-diabetes, T2DM, close family members or friends of a T2DM patient, and healthcare providers. Open-ended questions solicited information about challenges with T2DM management and gathered ideas on features of a mobile app that could address them. Data were transcribed and thematically coded by two coders using Atlas-ti. Regarding types of app functions, main themes included: (1) the importance of having support in diabetes self-care; (2) using informal networks to help to each other; and (3) monitoring one another through an app. Suggested app features included reminders for and transportation to medical visits, sharing information and exercise companionship, and providing opportunities for monitoring by friends/family members, especially in case of emergencies. Participants viewed an app as a potential vehicle for reinforcing accomplishments in T2DM self-management. Future research should implement and test an app with these features in this or similar communities.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that requires ongoing glycemic control and medical care [1]
Fifty-eight were self-identified as pre-diabetic, as having Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), or self-identified as being a close family member or friend of a T2DM patient who helps with diabetes care
We found that people with T2DM and their friends and family perceived that a social networking app would be valuable for T2DM management

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that requires ongoing glycemic control and medical care [1]. Affecting 30.3 million, or 9.4%, of the U.S population, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016 and contributed to 80,058 U.S deaths [2]; an additional 33.9% or 84.1 million American adults are pre-diabetic [2]. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) accounts for 90–95% of all diabetic cases and its prevalence has been rising among low-income minority communities [3,4,5]. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2715; doi:10.3390/ijerph16152715 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

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