Purpose The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile phone-based peer support intervention among women in resource-poor settings to self-manage their diabetes. Secondary goals evaluated the intervention’s effectiveness to motivate diabetes-related health choices. Methods Women with diabetes (n=22) in Cape Town, South Africa participated in a 12-week program focused on providing and applying knowledge of health routines to manage diabetes. Women were linked with a buddy via a mobile phone for support and also questioned daily about a health behavior via text message. Women were assessed at recruitment, and then 3 and 6 months later by a trained interviewer using a mobile phone for data collection. The women were evaluated on technology uptake, reduction of BMI, blood glucose levels, and increases in positive coping and general health-seeking behaviors. Results Women exchanged 16739 text messages to buddies and received 3144 texts from the project. Women responded to 29% of texted questions (n=1321/14582). Women attended at least 9 of 12 possible intervention sessions; a third attended all 12 sessions (n = 8/22). Between baseline and three months, women increased their sleep and reported a higher level of positive action and social support coping, yet, blood glucose increased by 3.3 points. From 3 to 6 months, spiritual hope decreased and diastolic blood pressure increased. One year later, the 22 women continue to attend meetings. Conclusion Mobile phones are an easy and reliable way to provide peer support and disseminate health messages. Both positive and negative changes were observed in this pilot study.

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This article reports on a study conducted with an unemployed group of community members residing in the Gugulethu Township in South Africa. The study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of their needs and challenges, and what they thought could be done to assist and empower them so that they could improve their lives. Their basic human needs were violated during apartheid and as a consequence, they are still battling poverty today. We offer suggestions on how Black communities in South Africa could be supported and empowered in order to become employable and self-reliant.