JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Parents of children with type 1 diabetes are often the main caregiver for their child. Generally, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in childhood and the parents must take on a complex and stressful management regime for their child. Many parents report feeling overwhelmed by all of the information that accompanies a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, leading to feelings of stress and isolation, which can lead to worse health outcomes for the parents.

Objective:

This study sought to find ways to help parents with children with type 1 diabetes in coping with stresses related to managing and monitoring their child’s disease.

Methods:

Parents (n=120) of children with type 1 diabetes were recruited through an email listserv through local type 1 diabetes Facebook groups. We conducted a 2x2 experimental study over an 8-week period to test the messages (diabetes specific vs. general parenting) and the medium they were delivered (Facebook vs. text message).

Results:

The diabetes message groups improved in diabetes behaviors [F(1, 99)=3.69, p=0.05] and were more satisfied with the intervention [F(3, 98)=4.59, p=0.005). There were no other differences in message or medium groups.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that diabetes-specific messages are likely to be more effective in improving diabetes management skills. These findings provide guidance for more effective development of social support interventions for similar populations.