Diabetes-related information-seeking behaviour: a systematic review

Preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes: a population-based cross-sectional study in Poland

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyse preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes and to identify sociodemographic determinants influencing these preferences among adults in Poland.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between 15 and 18 September 2023 using a computer-assisted web interview. A self-prepared questionnaire included 10 questions on sources of information on type 2 diabetes prevention.

PARTICIPANTS

Data were obtained from 1046 adults (18-82 years); 53.4% were females.

RESULTS

Most respondents preferred email communication (46.4%), followed by a doctor or nurse (33.5%), and a letter or leaflet directly delivered to the mailbox (25.8%) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) prevention information. Younger respondents were more likely to indicate mass media (OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.12 to 2.95, p=0.01) and digital media (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.02 to 2.67, p=0.04) as a source of information on DM2 prevention. Those who had higher education (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002), as well as those with chronic diseases (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.14 to 1.97, p=0.004), were more likely to indicate digital media. Out of 10 different variables analysed in this study, passive occupational status (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.04 to 1.96, p=0.03) as well as having chronic diseases (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002) were associated with higher odds of indicating healthcare workers as a preferred source of information. Marital status, having children, place of residence, household characteristics and financial status do not significantly decide communication preferences.

CONCLUSION

Communication on DM2 prevention should be adjusted to public preferences and expectations. Tailoring interventions to different demographic groups can enhance outreach and engagement. Email emerged as a popular choice, suggesting the potential of digital communication in preventive health programmes.

Characteristics and associated factors of health information-seeking behaviour among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the digital era: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Health Information-Seeking Behaviour (HISB) is necessary for self-management and medical decision-making among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With the advancement of information technology, health information needs and seeking are reshaped among patients with IBD. This scoping review aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of HISB of people with IBD in the digital age.

METHODS

This scoping review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews frameworks (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and three Chinese databases from January 1, 2010 to April 10, 2023. Employing both deductive and inductive content analysis, we scrutinized studies using Wilson's model.

RESULTS

In total, 56 articles were selected. Within the information dimension of HISB among patients with IBD, treatment-related information, particularly medication-related information, was identified as the most critical information need. Other information requirements included basic IBD-related information, daily life and self-management, sexual and reproductive health, and other needs. In the sources dimension, of the eight common sources of information, the internet was the most frequently mentioned source of information, while face-to-face communication with healthcare professionals was the preferred source. Associated factors were categorized into six categories: demographic characteristics, psychological aspects, role-related or interpersonal traits, environmental aspects, source-related characteristics, and disease-related factors. Moreover, the results showed five types of HISB among people with IBD, including active searching, ongoing searching, passive attention, passive searching, and avoid seeking. Notably, active searching, especially social information seeking, appeared to be the predominant common type of HISB among people with IBD in the digital era.

CONCLUSION

Information needs and sources for patients with IBD exhibit variability, and their health information-seeking behaviour is influenced by a combination of diverse factors, including resource-related and individual factors. Future research should focus on the longitudinal changes in HISB among patients with IBD. Moreover, efforts should be made to develop information resources that are both convenient and provide credible information services, although the development of such resources requires further investigation and evaluation.

Relationship Between Electronic Health Literacy and Self-Management in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using a Structural Equation Modeling Approach

BACKGROUND

Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is a relatively new concept used to determine health outcomes. However, it is not well known how eHealth literacy relates to health outcomes such as diabetes self-management.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to examine the relationships among eHealth literacy, self-efficacy, social support, and self-management in people with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used to examine secondary data from a field survey of people with Type 2 diabetes recruited from outpatient clinics from August to December 2021 ( N = 453). A structural equation model was used that first analyzed the measurement model using confirmatory factor analysis and then tested the hypothesized structural model to estimate the expected relationships among the study variables. The significance of the statistical estimates for the model was assessed based on the 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval from 5,000 bootstrap resamples.

RESULTS

Significant, indirect relationships were found between eHealth literacy and self-management via self-efficacy (β = 0.26, B = 0.17, 95% CI [0.10, 0.24]) and via social support and, in turn, self-efficacy (β = 0.08, B = 0.05, 95% CI [0.04, 0.08]). eHealth literacy, social support, and self-efficacy together explained 58.1% of the variance in self-management.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study provides new evidence regarding how eHealth literacy relates to self-management in people with Type 2 diabetes via two indirect pathways, including self-efficacy alone and social support and self-efficacy in series. An eHealth literacy program for self-management should be developed in clinical practice that includes strategies for inducing synergistic effects from self-efficacy and social support on self-management in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Modifiable risk factors for diphtheria: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To identify modifiable risk factors for diphtheria and assess their strengths of association with the disease.

Methods

This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Electronic databases and grey literature were searched from inception until January 2023. Studies had to report on diphtheria cases and estimates of association for at least one potential risk factor or sufficient data to calculate these. The quality of non-ecological studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), while the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Results

The search yielded 37,705 papers, of which 29 were ultimately included. All the non-ecological studies were of moderate to high quality. Meta-analysis of 20 studies identified three factors increasing the risk of diphtheria: incomplete vaccination (<3 doses) (pooled odds ratio (POR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-3.4); contact with a person with skin lesions (POR = 4.8, 95% CI = 2.1-10.9); and low knowledge of diphtheria (POR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2-4.7). Contact with a case of diphtheria; sharing a bed or bedroom; sharing utensils, cups, and glasses; infrequent bathing; and low parental education were associated with diphtheria in multiple studies. Evidence for other factors was inconclusive. The quality of evidence was low or very low for all the risk factors.

Conclusions

Findings from the review suggest that countries seeking to control diphtheria need to strengthen surveillance, improve vaccination coverage, and increase people's knowledge of the disease. Future research should focus on understudied or inconclusive risk factors.

ChatGPT- versus human-generated answers to frequently asked questions about diabetes: A Turing test-inspired survey among employees of a Danish diabetes center

Large language models have received enormous attention recently with some studies demonstrating their potential clinical value, despite not being trained specifically for this domain. We aimed to investigate whether ChatGPT, a language model optimized for dialogue, can answer frequently asked questions about diabetes. We conducted a closed e-survey among employees of a large Danish diabetes center. The study design was inspired by the Turing test and non-inferiority trials. Our survey included ten questions with two answers each. One of these was written by a human expert, while the other was generated by ChatGPT. Participants had the task to identify the ChatGPT-generated answer. Data was analyzed at the question-level using logistic regression with robust variance estimation with clustering at participant level. In secondary analyses, we investigated the effect of participant characteristics on the outcome. A 55% non-inferiority margin was pre-defined based on precision simulations and had been published as part of the study protocol before data collection began. Among 311 invited individuals, 183 participated in the survey (59% response rate). 64% had heard of ChatGPT before, and 19% had tried it. Overall, participants could identify ChatGPT-generated answers 59.5% (95% CI: 57.0, 62.0) of the time, which was outside of the non-inferiority zone. Among participant characteristics, previous ChatGPT use had the strongest association with the outcome (odds ratio: 1.52 (1.16, 2.00), p = 0.003). Previous users answered 67.4% (61.7, 72.7) of the questions correctly, versus non-users' 57.6% (54.9, 60.3). Participants could distinguish between ChatGPT-generated and human-written answers somewhat better than flipping a fair coin, which was against our initial hypothesis. Rigorously planned studies are needed to elucidate the risks and benefits of integrating such technologies in routine clinical practice.

Health literacy of people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the evidence on health literacy (HL) of people diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases were used to identify studies published from 1974 to 2021. Two reviewers independently carried out the study selection process and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. The risk of bias in the studies was classified according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).

RESULTS

In total, 1398 studies were identified from the initial search, and 11 were selected for reading thoroughly. After screening, five studies were included. All had a cross-sectional design, and most scientific production was from the United States. In the studies, people with SCI received assistance in rehabilitation services. The results were heterogeneous compared to the HL: reasonable HL; suitable HL; Inadequate HL. Better HL was identified in individuals from the white population compared to the black population with SCI.

CONCLUSION

Studies on HL in the SCI population are limited. Guidance and personalized education provided in rehabilitation programs seem to have an influence on HL levels in this population. More research is needed to broaden the understanding of HL in the rehabilitation process of people diagnosed with SCI.

'Feta is obviously very dangerous stuff looking at all those reds': Can nutrition labelling help people living with type 2 diabetes to self-manage their condition?

BACKGROUND

The consumption of a healthy balanced diet is the cornerstone of treatment for people living with type 2 diabetes (PLWT2DM). The United Kingdom recommends a standardised voluntary front-of-pack food labelling system which uses the green-amber-red colour coding to indicate the presence of nutrients in a food item. Research with PLWT2DM suggests that they may find it challenging to interpret the information on food labels. This paper draws from a larger study exploring nutrition information practices for PLWT2DM. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of using nutrition information found on food labels among PLWT2DM and their partners/carers.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative and mixed methods design, using a solicited 4-week unstructured diary followed by a qualitative interview with each participant. The theoretical framework drew on practice theory. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen PLWT2DM and one partner took part. Data consisted of 19 diaries and interviews. Almost all participants used food labels to help manage their condition; however, the colour-coding link with traffic lights appeared to overemphasise the need to avoid foods with red labels. Participants' beliefs about sugar influenced their food choices which in turn could impact on their nutritional intake. Highly developed mathematical skills were needed to interpret information about portion sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals and patient support groups should focus more on educating PLWT2DM about how to interpret food labels so that they are able to apply these to their own food choices. Future research and development of subsequent versions of the food labelling system should include PLWT2DM to ensure that labels are both clear and relevant to them.

Drug information-seeking behaviours of physicians, nurses and pharmacists: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Medication use typically involves physicians prescribing, pharmacists reviewing, and nurses administering medications to patients. Drug information (DI) is often required during the process, with the various health care professionals (HCPs) seeking information differently according to their needs and familiarity with various resources.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review aims to evaluate studies on drug information-seeking behaviour (ISB) of physicians, nurses and pharmacists to ascertain their DI needs, DI sources used, facilitators and barriers to DI-seeking.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase.com, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library to identify eligible primary research articles published between January 2000 and May 2020.

RESULTS

The reviewed studies (N = 48) revealed that HCPs have a wide range of DI needs, with the top needs being similar across the three HCPs. Information sources used most often by all three groups were tertiary, followed by human and primary sources. Factors relating to the source characteristics were the most reported facilitators and barriers to DI-seeking. Some differences in drug ISB were also identified.

CONCLUSION

Our findings can also guide information providers and educators to optimize information provision. It may also facilitate effective communication amongst HCPs when obtaining DI from or providing DI to one another.

Use of virtual communities to support people with diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective to analyze the support offered by virtual communities to people with diabetes mellitus. Method exploratory study with a qualitative approach, developed in three open virtual communities, focused on diabetes mellitus, with the largest number of members and posts in Portuguese. The content analysis was performed using word clouds to identify the nuclei of meaning. Results the most relevant results refer to virtual communities as sites of informational support to improve self-care; and as sites of emotional and spiritual support to encourage behavioral changes. Conclusion and implications for the practice virtual communities can contribute as scenarios of care for people with diabetes mellitus, providing greater approximation between professional practices and care needs. The understanding of the meanings of the shared information can contribute to the realization of holistic and effective care practices, without, however, being restricted to biological and technicist approaches. It can also constitute a strategy to help people with diabetes mellitus in self-care, highlighting the potential of social media for health as transformative tools for professionals and empowerment of patients.

U-shaped association between online information exchange and app usage frequency: a large-scale survey of China 's online young and middle-aged people with pre diabetes and diabetes

Background

China has the world's largest diabetic population, and the cost of caring for all these people every day is substantial. Online information exchange and app usage frequency have been demonstrated to play a significant influence in the management of blood glucose and enhancement of diabetes-related quality of life. However, the association between online information exchange and app usage frequency among actual online populations remains unclear and deserves additional study. Therefore, we evaluated the factors affecting the frequency of app usage in the online glucose management population, with a particular emphasis on the connection between online information exchange and app use frequency, contributing to the expansion of the research of diabetes management models.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted by disseminating questionnaires in blood glucose management-related forums and WeChat groups and included 1586 online users concerned about blood glucose management. Information exchange and app usage frequency were considered as independent and dependent variables, respectively. We performed stratified and single factor analysis, multiple equation regression analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect and saturation effect analysis. R (version 4.1.3, http://www.Rproject.org) and EmpowerStats were used for data analysis.

Result

After adjusting for other covariates, information exchange was independently and positively associated with app use frequency (β = 8.6, 95% CI: 6.5 to 11.2, p < 0.001). Through interaction analysis, the most significant interaction factors influencing the relationship between information exchange and app usage frequency were identified as health insurance status, whether living with parents, glycated hemoglobin status in the previous month, and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). The association between information exchange and app usage frequency is U-shaped, with information exchange inflection points of 3.0 and 4.2. Information exchange and app usage frequency are negatively correlated when the average information exchange score is less than 3.0, and for every point increase in the average information exchange score, the likelihood of the app high usage frequency group compared to the app low usage frequency group decreases by 70%. The relationship between information exchange and app usage frequency is strongest when it is greater than or equal to 3.0 and less than or equal to 4.2. The probability of the app high usage frequency group occurring compared to the app low usage frequency group rises 17.3 times for every 1 point increase in the average information exchange score. The probability of the app high usage frequency group occurring in comparison to the app low usage frequency group increased by 1.8 times for every 1 point rise in information exchange when the average information exchange score was higher than 4.2.

Conclusion

Age, body mass index, married, living with parents, hemoglobin level, SMBG, and information exchange were positively connected with app usage frequency in our study of online blood glucose management population. The link between information exchange and app use frequency was significantly U-shaped. The app usage frequency changed the most with the rise in information exchange when the information exchange score was greater than or equal to 3.0 and less than or equal to 4.2. Therefore, we ought to offer effort to concentrate on and increase the health-related behaviors and activities of those in this score interval.

The processes of engagement in information-seeking behavior for individuals with diabetes who developed diabetic foot ulcer: A constructivist grounded theory study

To describe the process of engagement in information seeking behavior for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methodology

Constructivist grounded theory. The data was gathered through thirty semi-structured interviews of participants attending a wound care clinic in Southeast, Ontario, Canada. The waiting period taken to seek appropriate help varied from weeks to months.

Results

"The processes of engagement in information-seeking behavior about diabetes" are organized as follows: 1) discovering diabetes, 2) reactions to the diagnosis, and 3) engaging in self-directed learning. For most participants, the diagnosis of diabetes was unexpected and usually confirmed after a long period of experiencing a diversity of symptoms. The terms used mostly by participants were "I started to wonder" and "Something was wrong with me." After being diagnosed with diabetes, participants sought information to learn about it. Most of them engaged in self-directed learning to acquire knowledge about their illness.

Conclusion

Although the Internet is often used to seek information, healthcare providers and support network also played an important role in supporting participants information-seeking behavior learn about diabetes. The unique needs of people with diabetes must be taken into consideration during their diabetes care journey. These findings call for the need to provide education about diabetes from the time they are diagnosed and direct them to reliable resources of information.

Uso de comunidades virtuais no suporte às pessoas com diabetes mellitus

Resumo Objetivo analisar o suporte oferecido pelas comunidades virtuais às pessoas com diabetes mellitus. Métodos estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido em três comunidades virtuais abertas, voltadas ao diabetes mellitus com o maior número de membros e postagens em português. A análise de conteúdo se deu por meio de nuvem de palavras como recurso para identificação dos núcleos de sentido. Resultados os resultados mais relevantes se referem às comunidades virtuais como locais de apoio informacional para melhorar o autocuidado; e como locais de suporte emocional e espiritual para encorajar mudanças comportamentais. Conclusão e implicações para a prática as comunidades virtuais podem contribuir como cenários de cuidado de pessoas com diabetes mellitus, proporcionando maior aproximação entre as práticas profissionais e as necessidades de cuidado. A compreensão dos significados das informações compartilhadas pode contribuir para a realização de práticas de cuidado integrais e efetivas, de forma holística, sem, porém, que essas estejam restritas a abordagens de caráter biológico e tecnicista. Pode, ainda, constituir-se em estratégia para auxiliar a pessoa com diabetes mellitus no cuidado de si, evidenciando o potencial das mídias sociais para a área da saúde como ferramentas transformadoras para os profissionais e empoderamento de pacientes.

The Impact of Smokers' Information-Seeking Behavior on Smoking Cessation

INTRODUCTION

Smoking has a harmful effect on human body and is rated to be the primary cause of preventable premature disease and death worldwide, while it is responsible for at least 25 life-threatening diseases.

METHODS

An empirical investigation has been carried out through the development and distribution of a structured questionnaire. The sample of empirical investigation consisted of 150 smokers aged over 18 years (response rate 85.7%).

ANALYSIS

Descriptive analysis and correlation control of questionnaire variables are used to report the findings of the study.

RESULTS

Information about passive smoking, smoking consequences, and current therapies in quitting smoking were rated highest among smoke-related information needs. The main sources of information were family/relatives/friends/colleagues and Internet and less important factors were formal sources like medical staff, health professionals, and primary health care services. Ε-health literacy is correlated with higher self-efficacy, positive intention to quit smoking, and better educational level while is negatively correlated with increasing age.

CONCLUSIONS

The creation of specialized programs and upgraded information services is fundamental for successful smoking cessation. These programs and services should be addressed to all socioeconomic groups and combined with the improvement in smokers' e-health literacy will contribute to a higher self-efficacy and finally drive them to quit smoking.

Sources of information on diabetes and its demographic correlates: a nationwide survey among Singapore residents

Diabetes is a major public health concern in Singapore, and the Singapore Government declared a ‘War on Diabetes’, which included a nationwide public health campaign. It is important to identify what sources of diabetes information reach the general population, whether this differs by socio-demographic characteristics and if the sources of information influence knowledge of diabetes to aid the successful dissemination of health information. Two thousand eight hundred ninety-five respondents were part of a population-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 2019 to September 2020. Respondents rated on a five-point scale whether they had obtained information on diabetes from eight different information sources, and responses were dichotomized into ‘endorsed receiving information’ or ‘not endorsed receiving information’. Poisson regression models were conducted with the ‘endorsement of receiving information’ from each source as the outcome and socio-demographic variables as predictors. 95.9% of the study population had received information on diabetes from at least one source, and the mean number of sources was 4.2 ± 2.0. The leading source was media articles (82.1%), followed by health promotion videos/advertisements (77.9%), online websites (58.5%), books (56.5%), healthcare professionals (55.0%), radio (54.4%), public forums (27.7%) and support groups (15.5%). Endorsing a greater number of informational sources was associated with being younger, belonging to Malay or Indian instead of Chinese ethnicity, and having diabetes. An intensive nationwide diabetes awareness campaign successfully reached the public in Singapore with specific sources of information depending on socio-demographic characteristics. Findings suggest that diabetes information campaigns should utilize multiple channels for dissemination considering the different socio-demographic subgroups.

Potential of UK and US newspapers for shaping patients' knowledge and perceptions about antidiabetic medicines: a content analysis

Background

Information about how newspapers portray antidiabetic medicines to readers is lacking. This study investigated the reporting on antidiabetic medicines in the most widely circulated newspapers published in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) over a 10-year period.

Methods

The Nexis UK database was used to identify and select relevant articles. Systematic content analysis of the articles which met the inclusion criteria (articles of any format that contained reference to antidiabetic medicines) within the highest circulated newspapers in the UK and US between 2009 and 2018 was conducted. Inter-rater reliability of coding was established using a 10% sample of the identified articles.

Results

A total of 560 (369 UK and 191 US) relevant newspaper articles were retrieved. In the UK, the number of relevant articles showed a slightly increasing trend over the study period, while in the US, article numbers declined over the study period. Safety/risk of antidiabetic medicines was the most frequent theme covered by the articles (34.6%). Over one-third of the newspaper articles were written from a clinical perspective (37.7%). Insulin was the most commonly discussed class of antidiabetic medicine (23.1%). Control of blood sugar levels (53.1%) and side effects/toxicity (92.7%) were the most frequently reported benefit and risk of antidiabetic medicines, respectively. The most frequently reported organ systems harmed by antidiabetic medicines were the cardiovascular, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. The UK newspapers were more likely to report the benefits of antidiabetic medicines (p = 0.005), while the US articles were more likely to report on harms/risks (p = 0.001). The majority of relevant articles (91.8%) were judged as having a balanced judgement, while 8.2% of the articles were rated as exaggerated.

Conclusions

This study has revealed that antidiabetic medicines are indeed reported on by UK and US newspapers. As media portrayal has the potential to negatively or positively influence patients’ views of their medication for diabetes, healthcare professionals should check on patients’ beliefs and knowledge about their medication and proactively provide objective and balanced information (including promotion of medication adherence).

Structured diabetes self-management education and its association with perceived diabetes knowledge, information, and disease distress: Results of a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, how participation in structured diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs is associated with perceived level of knowledge about diabetes, information needs, information sources and disease distress.

METHODS

We included 796 ever- and 277 never-DSME participants of the population-based survey "Disease knowledge and information needs - Diabetes mellitus (2017)" from Germany. Data on perceived level of diabetes knowledge (12 items), information needs (11 items), information sources (13 items) and disease distress (2 indices) were collected. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association of DSME-participation with these outcomes.

RESULTS

DSME-participants showed a higher level of diabetes knowledge compared to never-DSME participants, particularly in aspects concerning diabetes in general (odds ratio 2.53; 95% confidence intervals 1.48-4.33), treatment (2.41; 1.36-4.26), acute complications (1.91; 1.07-3.41) and diabetes in everyday life (1.83; 1.04-3.22). DSME-participants showed higher information needs regarding late complications (1.51; 1.04-2.18) and acute complications (1.71; 1.71-2.48) than DSME never participants. DSME-participants more frequently consulted diabetologists (5.54; 3.56-8.60) and diabetes care specialists (5.62; 3.61-8.75) as information sources. DSME participation was not associated with disease distress.

CONCLUSION

DSME is a valuable tool for improving individual knowledge about diabetes. However, DSME should focus more on psychosocial aspects to reduce the disease burden.

Disparity and Factors Associated With Internet Health Information Seeking Among US Adults Living With Diabetes Mellitus: Cross-sectional Study

Background

Many patients with chronic medical conditions search the internet to obtain medical advice and health information to improve their health condition and quality of life. Diabetes is a common chronic disease that disproportionately affects different race and ethnicity groups in the United States. In the existing literature on the popularity of internet health information seeking among persons with a chronic medical condition, there are limited data on US adults living with diabetes.

Objective

This study aims to examine the factors associated with internet health information seeking among US adults living with diabetes and whether there is a disparity in internet health information seeking stratified by race and ethnicity.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Health Information National Trends Survey data from 2017 to 2020. We selected our study sample based on respondents’ reports on whether they were told they had diabetes, and our primary outcome was internet health information–seeking behavior. We used 2 multivariable logistic regression models to examine the effects of sociodemographic factors and other covariates on the internet health information–seeking behavior of adults with diabetes. Jackknife replicate weights were used to provide bias-corrected variance estimates.

Results

Our study sample included 2903 adults who self-reported that they had diabetes. In total, 60.08% (1744/2903) were non-Hispanic White individuals, 46.88% (1336/2850) were men, and 64% (1812/2831) had some college or graduate education. The prevalence of internet health information seeking in this population was 64.49% (1872/2903), and the main factors associated with internet health information seeking included education level (some college vs less than high school: odds ratio [OR] 1.42, 95% CI 1.44-1.88; and college graduate or higher vs less than high school: OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.79-3.50), age (age group ≥65 years vs age group 18-44 years: OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.34-0.63), and household income level (P<.001). In addition, we found significant differences in the effects of predictors stratified by race.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that internet health information seeking is common among US adults living with diabetes. Internet health information could influence the relationship between health care providers and adults living with diabetes and improve their self-management and quality of life.

Experiences of Online COVID-19 Information Acquisition among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes and Varying eHealth Literacy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internet has been a major source of information for people to keep updated with news and guidelines. However, concerns have been raised about the ‘infodemic’, which includes the overabundance of online information and the spread of misleading information. Adequate eHealth literacy skills among world citizens have therefore been emphasized as vital during the pandemic. Persons with type 2 diabetes have been at increased risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 disease. This study aimed to explore online COVID-19 information acquisition experiences among persons with type 2 diabetes and varying eHealth literacy. Fifty-eight participants filled out the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), along with a qualitative questionnaire with free-text questions. Additionally, 10 participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns in participants’ experiences. Two domains were identified: perceived challenges with online information about COVID-19, and coping strategies to manage challenges. The perceived challenges were: being exposed to information overload, dealing with conflicting information, and being strongly emotionally affected. The related coping strategies were: protecting oneself, trusting authorities, taking command, and using common sense. These strategies often involved triangulation of the information obtained, including participants consulting their common sense, various sources, or family and friends. This paper highlights the crucial role of authorities in delivering online information, that according to health literacy principles, is easy to access, understand, and use. Furthermore, our results reinforce the importance of diabetes nurses, as well as healthcare professionals in general, in encouraging patients to share their Internet findings, promote information from reliable sources, and deliver tailored information that suits individual needs. Because our results underline the importance of social support in eHealth literacy and the assessment of online health information, the inclusion of family and friends needs to be increasingly considered in diabetes care. Due to the small homogenous sample, the results of this study cannot be generalized. However, the reader can assess the transferability to other situations and settings based on our contextual descriptions.

Preferences and Experiences of People with Chronic Illness in Using Different Sources of Health Information: Results of a Mixed-Methods Study

Background: People with chronic illness are particularly dependent on adequate health literacy (HL), but often report difficulties in accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying health information. To strengthen the HL of people with chronic illness, in-depth knowledge about how they deal with health information is crucial. Methods: To this end, quantitative data from the Second Health Literacy Survey Germany (HLS-GER 2) and qualitative data from seven focus group discussions were used to examine the interest in health information, preferred sources of information as well as experiences and challenges with information management among people with chronic illness. Results: The results show that people with chronic illness have a great interest in health information and use very different sources of health information, preferring personal information from physicians most. The results also point to several challenges in health information management that seem to be influenced by the illness duration as well as by the experiences made with the respective sources. Conclusions: Overall, the study provides important starting points for intervention development for the provision and communication of health-related information, but also to research on health information behavior and HL.

TikTok as a Health Information Source: Assessment of the Quality of Information in Diabetes-Related Videos

Background

Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, and many people living with diabetes use social media to seek health information. Recently, an emerging social media app, TikTok, has received much interest owing to its popularity among general health consumers. We notice that there are many videos about diabetes on TikTok. However, it remains unclear whether the information in these videos is of satisfactory quality.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the quality of the information in diabetes-related videos on TikTok.

Methods

We collected a sample of 199 diabetes-related videos in Chinese. The basic information presented in the videos was coded and analyzed. First, we identified the source of each video. Next, 2 independent raters assessed each video in terms of the completeness of six types of content (the definition of the disease, symptoms, risk factors, evaluation, management, and outcomes). Then, the 2 raters independently assessed the quality of information in the videos, using the DISCERN instrument.

Results

In regard to the sources of the videos, we found 6 distinct types of uploaders; these included 3 kinds of individual users (ie, health professionals, general users, and science communicators) and 3 types of organizational users (ie, news agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations). Regarding content, our results show that the videos were primarily about diabetes management and contained limited information on the definition of the disease, symptoms, risk factors, evaluation, and outcomes. The overall quality of the videos was acceptable, on average, although the quality of the information varied, depending on the sources. The videos created by nonprofit organizations had the highest information quality, while the videos contributed by for-profit organizations had the lowest information quality.

Conclusions

Although the overall quality of the information in the diabetes videos on TikTok is acceptable, TikTok might not fully meet the health information needs of patients with diabetes, and they should exercise caution when using TikTok as a source of diabetes-related information.

Understanding information behavior of diabetic patients: a case of the diabetic's institute Pakistan

Purpose

Pakistan is a developing country where one of the rapidly growing diseases is diabetes. Well-informed diabetic patients are expected to improve the quality of life, self-care behaviors and better cooperation with the health care team. The present study is designed to investigate the information behavior of diabetic patients, and to investigate the role of one institution that is working for diabetes management, treatment, education and counseling in Pakistan i.e. Diabetic's Institute Pakistan (DIP).

Design/methodology/approach

The “Embedded Design” based on the mixed methods research approach was adopted to carry out the current research. The study was mainly based on quantitative research design, quantitative data were collected through an adapted questionnaire, the supportive/supplementary qualitative data was collected through an in-depth interview of the medical director, observation record sheets and analysis of the available relevant documents i.e. prescription (prescription notepad with information), brochure and the website was applied.

Findings

Diabetic patients want to know about how to control diabetes and mostly rely on humans particularly health professionals and interpersonal networks. The use of books, journals, seminars, libraries is comparatively low. It is an important finding that health-related information is mostly required in national language by Pakistani patients. Lack of computer literacy and information overload were among the barriers that were reported by diabetic patients.

Practical implications

Health information seeking channels, formats and language preferences should be considered to design patients' cantered information services. Health information service providers i.e. government, health practitioners, health-related institutions and libraries should work in a liaison for creating health awareness. Identified barriers faced by diabetic patients are important to consider for designing health-related information services.

Originality/value

Investigating health information behavior is crucial particularly of the patients from developing countries. The study is first of its kind that is reported from Pakistan. The results of the study may help libraries, health professionals and diabetes-related organizations to design patient's centered policies and information-based services. These institutions may work together to create awareness and to help patients in managing their disease. The study findings are maybe helpful for other developing countries also.

Different information needs in subgroups of people with diabetes mellitus: a latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

Current evidence suggests that the information needs of people with diabetes mellitus differ across patient groups. With a view to being able to provide individualized information, this study aims to identify (i) the diabetes-related information needs of people with diabetes mellitus; (ii) different subgroups of people with specific information needs; and (iii) associated characteristics of the identified subgroups, such as sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes-related comorbidities, and well-being.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was based on data from 837 respondents with diabetes mellitus who participated in the population-based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region) Health Survey 2016 in Southern Germany (KORA GEFU 4 study) (45.6% female, mean age 71.1 years, 92.8% Type 2 diabetes). Diabetes-related information needs were assessed with a questionnaire asking about patients' information needs concerning 11 diabetes-related topics, e.g. 'long-term complications' and 'treatment/therapy'. Subgroups of people with different information needs and associated characteristics were identified using latent class analysis.

RESULTS

We identified the following four classes of people with different information needs: 'high needs on all topics', 'low needs on all topics', 'moderate needs with a focus on complications and diabetes in everyday life', and 'advanced needs with a focus on social and legal aspects and diabetes research'. The classes differed significantly in age, years of education, type of diabetes, diabetes duration, diabetes-related comorbidities, smoking behaviour, diabetes education, current level of information, and time preference.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about different patient subgroups can be useful for tailored information campaigns or physician-patient interactions. Further research is needed to analyse health care needs in these groups, changes in information needs over the course of the disease, and prospective health outcomes.

An exploration of information seeking behavior among persons living with spinal cord injury in Switzerland

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study using data from the second community survey of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (Survey 2017).

OBJECTIVES

To examine information seeking of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland and its association with personal characteristics, quality of life, satisfaction with health, and healthcare services utilization.

SETTING

Community.

METHODS

Descriptive statistics were used to describe information needs, information sources, and health literacy of the participants. Linear, logistic, and Poisson regression analyses were used to assess the association of information-related variables with personal characteristics, quality of life, satisfaction with health, and healthcare services utilization.

RESULTS

One quarter of the 1294 study participants (24.6%) reported having information needs. Most frequently mentioned were needs for medical information about SCI, complications and comorbidities (30.5%), and information on living with SCI (28.6%). The most often used sources of information were healthcare professionals (72.3%), the Internet (43.2%), and other people living with SCI (40.8%). Almost half of the participants (41.4%) were only somewhat or not at all confident in their ability to find information. Having information needs was associated with suboptimal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the importance of information for individuals living with SCI. By providing evidence on topics to be addressed and modalities of information delivery, our findings can help institutions in developing information to support individuals living with SCI in their daily activities. Information should cover all aspects of living with SCI, be relevant to and understandable for people of all backgrounds, and be made available online and offline.

Health information seeking behaviour using mobile devices among people with diabetes: A comparison between Middle and high income country

Objective

The internet has become a primary source of information for many individuals especially those with chronic diseases. This study aims to understand and compare the health seeking behaviour using mobile devices among individuals with diabetes and between a high (Singapore) and middle (Malaysia) income country.

Methods

A cross sectional survey was conducted among people with diabetes in Malaysia and Singapore. Participants attending the primary health clinic for the treatment of diabetes were approached to participate in this survey. Data on demographics, health status and beliefs to health were collected and compared.

Results

A total of 673 respondents were included in the study. Most of the respondents reported to have access to the Internet, with a high ownership of mobile phones (99.3%). However, only one in every three respondents sought information online. Younger individuals (≤50 years) and those with higher education more likely to seek information using mobile devices. Respondents in Singapore reported to be more likely to use mobile devices to monitor their health as compared to respondents in Malaysia. However, most respondents would seek health information from their healthcare professionals’ especially physicians.

Conclusion

There was limited differences in the health-seeking behaviour among the respondents from both countries, suggesting for a need to identify for more effective means of distribution of health related information.

Information Seeking Experiences of Family Caregivers of Patients with Persistent Vegetative State: A Qualitative Study

Background:

Providing care for patients in Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) by family caregivers without enough training and knowledge may be problematic both for the patients and for the caregivers. Therefore, the present study tries to explain the experiences of family caregivers of patients with PVS of seeking information needed to provide adequate care.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty two participants, including 17 family caregivers and 5 professional caregivers were enrolled by purposive sampling into this qualitative content analysis study, carried out between 2013 and 2015. Unstructured interviews and field notes were used to gather the data. Data collection was stopped when data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed by content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman's approach.

Results:

As a result of the analysis of the collected data a main theme emerged labeled as “Seeking constructive education” with three categories including “Neglected requisite education,” “Greedy search for useful education” and “Dynamic independence in care.”

Conclusions:

In this study, information seeking by family caregivers of patients with PVS was constructive. Family caregivers insistently sought needed information from various sources. Ultimately, they found these insistent efforts beneficial and fruitful, because their efforts made them independent in providing care for their patients.

Interrelationship between Interpersonal Interaction Intensity and Health Self-Efficacy in People with Diabetes or Prediabetes on Online Diabetes Social Platforms: An In-Depth Survey in China

Objective: The peer interaction-based online model has been influential in the recent development of diabetes management. This model "extends and innovates" the traditional mode of doctor-patient guidance, transforming it into a mode in which both doctor-patient guidance and patient-patient interaction coexist; this new mode has the added advantage of offering "extended continual intervention." This study contributes to research on extending diabetes management models by investigating how patients with diabetes or prediabetes interact in online health communities, focusing on the interrelationship between self-efficacy characteristics and online participation during patient-patient interactions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants with diabetes of various severities completed an electronic questionnaire, which was formulated with a revised classical scale. The questionnaire was disseminated through diabetes online health communities. Its content covered the respondent's general condition, self-evaluation of their self-efficacy, and participation in online health communities, specifically with respect to factors such as the time spent in online information each day, the number of groups joined, and the extent of interaction in diabetes online health communities, etc. The main observation indicators were the participants' self-efficacy, their extent of online participation, and the characteristics of online health communities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, linear trend estimation, and ordinal logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between the three indicators. Results: The self-efficacy scores ( x ¯ ± s) were 51.9 ± 9.12, and 59.1% of interviewed participants had self-efficacy scores greater than the mean. Overall, most participants (96%) considered online diabetes social platforms to be helpful. Groups differed with respect to interaction mode, which indicated that people with high self-efficacy tend to employ various modes of interaction. Participants with high self-efficacy were also more likely to live in cities (p < 0.05) and be married (p < 0.05) and tended to spend more time paying attention to group information (p < 0.05), spend more time viewing group information (p < 0.05), and have a greater degree of interaction with group members (p < 0.05). Information sources for the different grades of participants was primarily obtained from social media. Conclusion: Among people with diabetes, the frequency and intensity of online interaction might positively affect self-efficacy and, by implication, diabetes self-management. Diabetics with high self-efficacy also tend to have positive online interaction and adopt different ways of interaction. In addition, the diabetes information sources of the respondents mainly come from social networks, most of the respondents think that online social networking sites have a positive impact on diabetes self-management, which shows that social network plays an important role in diabetes information source of diabetics. However, the design of online health communities has room for improvement, specifically with respect to the provision of information that patients require. As an interesting side note, among people with diabetes or prediabetes, those who lived in urban area and were married, those who paid more attention to group information, and those who actively participated in interactions tended to have relatively high self-efficacy. The results suggest that people with diabetes have higher-quality self-care when they engage in online health community interactions; such benefits cannot be obtained from treatment in a hospital. In general, enhanced self-efficacy in people with diabetes enables them to more readily acquire diabetes-related knowledge. Online interaction with diabetics, who has the same experience, can not only get more information, but also have a sense of identity and belonging, which enhances self-efficacy and further urges them to actively participate in online interaction. Therefore, online health communities are an important supplement to the clinical treatment of diabetes mellitus and clinicians can take advantage of the educational function of online diabetes groups in their provision of tailored diabetes interventions and take into account the factors that affect the self-efficacy of diabetics (including the frequency and intensity of online interaction, age, marital status, residential area, etc.), to provide tailored diabetes interventions for diabetics. Such a use of online diabetes groups can strengthen diabetes self-management.

A cross-sectional survey interconnecting health information seeking behavior with clinical data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the investigation of type 2 diabetes patients' information seeking behavior in terms of their information needs, sources and barriers faced by patients when seeking information. The information seeking behavior is associated with clinical patient data.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant literature is reviewed, and the results of a cross-sectional survey informed by Wilson's macro-model of information seeking behavior are reported. The survey includes 106 outpatients from the diabetes clinic of a Greek major university hospital and includes information seeking behaviors and patient's clinical evidence.

Findings

The most important health information needs are related to the complications, symptoms and causes of diabetes, to the proper diet for diabetics and the measures adopted to avoid foot complications. Furthermore, the most important information resources were physicians, ophthalmologists, books, broadcast media and family members. Obstacles encountered during information seeking include the complicated nature of health information, which involves scientific terms as well as psychological issues. The diabetes stage is correlated with information needs for diabetes medication, while the years from the first diagnosis are negatively correlated with the use of informal sources.

Research limitations/implications

The information needs and sources of diabetic patients, as well as the main obstacles to this pursuit, could potentially have important implications in designing a future information campaign and information services for diabetes patients.

Originality/value

The Wilson's macro-model of information seeking has been applied to the diabetic patients' information seeking behavior; while information needs, information sources and information obstacles are correlated with clinical evidence from patients’ hospital records.

Patient Questions and Physician Responses in a Chinese Health Q&A Website: Content Analysis

Background

Since the turn of this century, the internet has become an invaluable resource for people seeking health information and answers to health-related queries. Health question and answer websites have grown in popularity in recent years as a means for patients to obtain health information from medical professionals. For patients suffering from chronic illnesses, it is vital that health care providers become better acquainted with patients’ information needs and learn how they express them in text format.

Objective

The aims of this study were to: (1) explore whether patients can accurately and adequately express their information needs on health question and answer websites, (2) identify what types of problems are of most concern to those suffering from chronic illnesses, and (3) determine the relationship between question characteristics and the number of answers received.

Methods

Questions were collected from a leading Chinese health question and answer website called “All questions will be answered” in January 2018. We focused on questions relating to diabetes and hepatitis, including those that were free and those that were financially rewarded. Content analysis was completed on a total of 7068 (diabetes) and 6685 (hepatitis) textual questions. Correlations between the characteristics of questions (number of words per question, value of reward) and the number of answers received were evaluated using linear regression analysis.

Results

The majority of patients are able to accurately express their problem in text format, while some patients may require minor social support. The questions posted were related to three main topics: (1) prevention and examination, (2) diagnosis, and (3) treatment. Patients with diabetes were most concerned with the treatment received, whereas patients with hepatitis focused on the diagnosis results. The number of words per question and the value of the reward were negatively correlated with the number of answers. The number of words per question and the value of the reward were negatively correlated with the number of answers.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into the ability of patients suffering from chronic illnesses to make an understandable request on health question and answer websites. Health topics relating to diabetes and hepatitis were classified to address the health information needs of chronically ill patients. Furthermore, identification of the factors affecting the number of answers received per question can help users of these websites to better frame their questions to obtain more valuable answers.

Information needs and information seeking behaviour of people with dementia and their non-professional caregivers: a scoping review

Background

People with dementia often require full-time caregivers especially in the later stages of their condition. People with dementia and caregivers’ access to reliable information on dementia is essential as it may have an important impact on patient care and quality of life. This study aims to provide an overview of the information needs and information seeking behaviour of people with dementia and their non-professional caregivers.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature and searched four electronic databases for eligible studies published up to August 2018. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Information needs were classified according to emerging themes in the literature, and information seeking behaviour was categorized using Wilson’s model of information behaviour.

Results

Twenty studies with a total of 4140 participants, were included in this review. Reported information needs focused on: (i) disease; (ii) patient care provision; (iii) healthcare services; and (iv) caregiver self-care. The most commonly reported information need was on healthcare service-related information. Characteristics found to influence information needs were the severity of dementia as well as patient and caregiver status. People with dementia and non-professional caregivers mainly displayed active searching, information seeking behaviour and preferred using electronic sources to obtain health information.

Conclusion

Current dementia information sources available in English are extensive in the information they offer, but more emphasis needs to be placed on healthcare service-related information. All studies originated from high income countries and focused on information needs of non-professional caregivers only. The only variables found to be associated to information needs were severity of dementia condition as well as patient/caregiver status. The information needs identified in this review can be used to inform development and design of future dementia resources for people with dementia and their non-professional caregivers.

What should governments be doing to prevent diabetes throughout the life course?

Health systems and governments are increasingly required to implement measures that target at-risk populations to prevent noncommunicable diseases. In this review we lay out what governments should be doing to prevent diabetes throughout the life course. The following four target groups were used to structure the specific recommendations: (1) pregnant women and young families, (2) children and adolescents, (3) working age population, and (4) the elderly. The evidence to date supports the effectiveness of some known government policy measures, such as sugar taxes and regulatory measures in the (pre-)school setting for children and adolescents. Many of these appear to be more effective if they are part of a bundle of strategies and if they are supplemented by communication strategies. Although there is a current focus on strategies that target the individual, governments can make use of evidence-based population-level prevention strategies. More research and continuous evaluation of the overall and subgroup-specific effectiveness of policy strategies using high-quality longitudinal studies are needed.

Supporting Good Intentions With Good Evidence: How to Increase the Benefits of Diabetes Social Media

Social media provides a platform for easily accessible, relevant health information and emotional and practical support at the touch of a button for millions of people with diabetes. Therein however lies a challenge. The accuracy and reliability of such information is often unknown and unverified, not all interactions are deemed supportive; practically or emotionally, and not all members of society have equitable access. Cyber bullying, requests for personal information and uninvited sharing are among the risks associated with social media, yet the use of online social media is increasing exponentially. Such reliance on web-based health information has given rise to concerns about patients' ability to accurately assess the credibility of online sources as well as the potential detrimental effect on personal well-being and patient-provider relations. In addition, there are rising digital disparities for particular subpopulations. Further, these concerns apply to where and how health care professionals should engage or refer patients to in terms of platforms of online support. There is little doubt regarding the popularity of social media, both within and outside of the health arena but there are also concerns. This article outlines five key areas associated with social media use in people living with diabetes and presents potential considerations moving forward. We focus on (1) social media as a platform for information and support; (2) social media interactions that are not supportive; (3) lessons from the DOC; (4) concerns about accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of information; and (5) differing priorities of health care professionals and patients.

Exploring the Determinants of Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior Using a Meta-Analytic Approach

Although key factors of online health information-seeking behavior (OHISB), such as self-efficacy, Internet experience, and perceived ease of use, are analyzed in many studies, the research results are controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis, based on 27 related empirical studies, is to explore the determinants of OHISB. The determinants of OHISB are classified into four categories: demographic characteristic factors, cognitive factors, internal factors, and external factors. According to the results of the analysis using Stata13.0, our study found a weak effect of perceived cost and health anxiety on the OHISB, while subjective norm, perceived usefulness, and attitude have a strong positive effect on the OHISB. Understanding the determinants of OHISB is beneficial in order to know why users utilize online health applications. The findings of the study can contribute to developing and extending the existing theoretical concepts.

How are medication related problems managed in primary care? An exploratory study in patients with diabetes and primary care providers

BACKGROUND

Medication self-management is important for patients who are controlling diabetes. Achieving medication self-management goals, may depend on treatment complexity and patients' capacities such as health literacy, knowledge and attitude.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to explore how patients with diabetes self-manage their medications, how patients seek support when experiencing problems and how primary healthcare providers identify patients' medication related problems and provide support.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted among patients with diabetes receiving primary care and with their primary healthcare providers - GPs, nurses, pharmacists and technicians - between January and June 2017. A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify and select participants. An interview guide based on the Cycle of Complexity model was developed. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded with a combination of deductive and inductive codes. A thematic analysis was performed to identify categories and themes in the data. Findings were compared with the Cycle of Complexity model.

RESULTS

Twelve patients and 27 healthcare providers were included in the study. From the transcripts 95 codes, 6 categories and 2 major themes were extracted. Patients used practical solutions and gaining knowledge to manage their medication. Their problems were often related to stress and concerns about using medications. A trusted relationship with the healthcare provider was essential for patients to share problems and ask for support. Informal support was sought from family and peer-patients. Healthcare providers perceive problem identification as challenging. They relied on patients coming forward, computer notifications, clinical parameters and gut-feeling. Healthcare providers were able to offer appropriate support if a medication management problem was known.

CONCLUSION

Patients are confident of finding their way to manage their medications. However, sharing problems with healthcare providers requires a trusted relationship. This is acknowledged by both patients and healthcare providers.

What information needs do people with recently diagnosed diabetes mellitus have and what are the associated factors? A cross-sectional study in Germany

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify: (1) information needs of people with recently diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); (2) information needs within different subgroups; and (3) factors associated with information needs concerning DM such as current level of information, health-related quality of life or participation preferences.

DESIGN

A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Information needs for different topics and estimated associated factors were described using logistic regression models. Additionally, a qualitative content analysis was performed.

SETTING

Monocentre study.

PARTICIPANTS

Information needs were assessed and analysed in 138 consecutive participants with DM who took part in the German Diabetes Study (54% type 2 diabetes, 64% male, mean age 46.3±12.3 years, known diabetes duration <1 year).

RESULTS

Most participants displayed a need for information in all topics provided, especially in diabetes research (86%) and treatment/therapy (80%). Regarding those topics, participants wished for information regarding new treatments that simplify their everyday life. In general, participants preferred topics that focus on the management or handling of DM over topics related to clinical factors of DM, such as causes and complications. A low current level of information and treatment with antihyperglycaemic medication were significantly associated with higher information needs, and diabetes-related comorbidity and higher mental component summary score in the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) with lower information needs.

CONCLUSION

People with recently diagnosed DM display high information needs, which differ according to the current level of information, mode of diabetes treatment, diabetes-related comorbidity and mental component summary score in the SF-36. There appears to be a preference for information, which can help to simplify life with diabetes and for information that corresponds to their level of knowledge. This should be considered in patient information activities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01055093.

First results from the study 'Disease knowledge and information needs - Diabetes mellitus (2017)'

Very little research has been undertaken into what people in Germany know about diabetes, the information they may require about the condition, where they look for such information and how they rate the information currently available. In 2017, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) carried out a nationwide telephone survey aimed at answering these questions. The study entitled 'Disease knowledge and information needs - Diabetes mellitus (2017)' focused on people aged at least 18 years. A total of 2,327 people without diabetes and 1,479 people with diagnosed diabetes were interviewed for the study. First results show that 56.7% of people without diabetes and 92.8% of those with diabetes rate their knowledge about the condition as 'very good' or 'good'. People without diabetes were found to have the strongest need for information in terms of 'lifestyle changes, health promotion and disease prevention', whereas respondents with diabetes stressed the strongest need for information about 'treatment and therapy'. Almost a third of respondents without diabetes have actively sought information about diabetes at least once, mostly via print media. Patients with diabetes stated that their general practitioner was their most frequent source of information about the condition. In both groups, about half of respondents reported that they found it difficult to judge the trustworthiness of the information published in the media about diabetes. The results of the study form part of the German National Diabetes Surveillance, which is coordinated by the RKI. The data are also intended to be used by the Federal Centre for Health Education to develop a strategy to improve the information provided about diabetes.

Information needs in people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse currently available knowledge on information needs of people with diabetes mellitus, also considering possible differences between subgroups and associated factors.

METHODS

Twelve databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched up until June 2015. Publications that addressed self-reported information needs of people with diabetes mellitus were included. Each study was assessed by using critical appraisal tools, e.g. from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Extraction and content analysis were performed systematically.

RESULTS

In total, 1993 publications were identified and 26 were finally included. Nine main categories of information needs were identified, including 'treatment-process', 'course of disease', 'abnormalities of glucose metabolism' and 'diabetes through the life cycle'. Differences between patient subgroups, such as type of diabetes or age, were sparsely analysed. Some studies analysed associations between information needs and factors such as participation preferences or information seeking. They found, for example, that information needs on social support or life tasks were associated with information seeking in Internet forums.

CONCLUSION

Information needs in people with diabetes mellitus, appear to be high, yet poorly investigated. Research is needed regarding differences between diverse diabetes populations, including gender aspects or changes in information needs during the disease course.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The review protocol has been registered at Prospero ( CRD42015029610 ).

Correction to: Diabetes-related information-seeking behaviour: a systematic review

During the production process for this article [1] some errors were introduced into Table 2. The correct version of Table 2 can be found below; the original article [1] has also been updated with the correct version of Table 2. BMC apologises to the authors and to readers for this error.