JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Type II diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition, especially among older adults, and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Effective disease self-management is crucial for achieving glycemic control and preventing complications.

Objective:

The JACARDI pilot study aims to improve health and eHealth literacy among older adults with Type 2 diabetes through a blended educational training program. The study’s overarching goal is to enhance patients' self-management capabilities, support independent living, and reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes.

Methods:

The intervention consists of a 10-week training program (one session every other week) organized into five modules combining didactic and interactive components. Topics include health and eHealth literacy, diabetes self-management, digital tools, usability, and sustainability of behavioral change. The study is preceded by a pre-study phase involving stakeholders, older adults, and caregivers to refine the training content using co-design techniques.

Results:

Recruitment for the main trial will begin in September 2025 with a target sample size of 200 participants. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated based on quantitative and qualitative data collected across all time points.

Conclusions:

The JACARDI study provides a structured and participatory approach to addressing the digital divide in chronic disease management among older adults. By focusing on personalized, evidence-based training, it offers a promising model for empowering patients and improving health outcomes through enhanced digital and self-management competencies. Clinical Trial: The study protocol was recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov on the number NCT06904690.