Abstract
BackgroundLower socioeconomic strata (SES) populations have higher chronic disease risks. Smartphone-based interventions can support adoption of health behaviors that may, in turn, reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes-related complications, overcoming the obstacles that some patients may have with regular clinical contact (eg, shiftwork, travel difficulties, miscommunication).ObjectiveThe intent of the study was to develop and test a smartphone-assisted intervention that improves behavioral management of type 2 diabetes in an ethnically diverse, lower SES population within an urban community health setting.MethodsThis single-arm pilot study assessed a smartphone application developed with investigator assistance and delivered by health coaches. Participants were recruited from the Black Creek Community Health Centre in Toronto and had minimal prior experience with smartphones.ResultsA total of 21 subjects consented and 19 participants completed the 6-month trial; 12 had baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and these subjects demonstrated a mean reduction of 0.43% (SD 0.63) (P<.05) with minimal changes in medication.ConclusionsThis project supported the feasibility of smartphone-based health coaching for individuals from lower SES with minimal prior smartphone experience.
Highlights
A consensus of medical professionals and academic researchers indicates that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that progresses to more debilitating complications if certain unhealthy behaviors persist [1]
There was a mean reduction of 0.28% (SD 0.57) (P=.05) found over the entire sample
Since participant glucose control varied across optimal levels at baseline, data was re-analyzed for those who began the trial with sub-optimally managed glucose and those with optimally managed glucose
Summary
BackgroundA consensus of medical professionals and academic researchers indicates that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that progresses to more debilitating complications if certain unhealthy behaviors persist [1]. These individuals are often less willing to volunteer for research and are less reliable subjects after enrollment This is mainly related to the competing demands they confront and the lack of flexibility in their working conditions. Smartphone-based interventions can support adoption of health behaviors that may, in turn, reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes-related complications, overcoming the obstacles that some patients may have with regular clinical contact (eg, shiftwork, travel difficulties, miscommunication). Objective: The intent of the study was to develop and test a smartphone-assisted intervention that improves behavioral management of type 2 diabetes in an ethnically diverse, lower SES population within an urban community health setting. Conclusions: This project supported the feasibility of smartphone-based health coaching for individuals from lower SES with minimal prior smartphone experience
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