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Enhancing Diabetes Care through a Mobile Application: A Randomized Clinical Trial on Integrating Physical and Mental Health among Disadvantaged Individuals

Authors :
Jae Hyun Bae
Eun Hee Park
Hae Kyung Lee
Kun Ho Yoon
Kyu Chang Won
Hyun Mi Kim
Sin Gon Kim
Source :
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Vol 48, Iss 4, Pp 790-801 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Korean Diabetes Association, 2024.

Abstract

Background This study examines integrating physical and mental healthcare for disadvantaged persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus and mild-to-moderate depression in the community, using a mobile application within a public-private-academic partnership. Methods The Korean Diabetes Association has developed a mobile application combining behavioral activation for psychological well-being and diabetes self-management, with conventional medical therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the application with usual care or only usual care. Primary outcomes measured changes in psychological status and diabetes self-management through questionnaires at week 12 from the baseline. Secondary outcomes assessed glycemic and lipid control, with psychological assessments at week 16. Results Thirty-nine of 73 participants completed the study (20 and 19 in the intervention and control groups, respectively) and were included in the analysis. At week 12, the intervention group showed significant reductions in depression severity and perceived stress compared to the control group. Additionally, they reported increased perceived social support and demonstrated improved diabetes self-care behavior. These positive effects persisted through week 16, with the added benefit of reduced anxiety. While fasting glucose levels in the intervention group tended to improve, no other significant differences were observed in laboratory assessments between the groups. Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence for the potential efficacy of a mobile application that integrates physical and mental health components to address depressive symptoms and enhance diabetes self-management in disadvantaged individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and depression. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and solidify their implications.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22336079 and 22336087
Volume :
48
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4afae5115370489ca8f676ed6f3b8496
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0298