Diabetes self-management in online health communities: an information exchange perspective

Abstract

Background Online health communities (OHCs), with a wealth of multi-source information exchange, have provided a convenient way for people with diabetes to actively participate in their self-management and have been widely used. Information exchange assists people with diabetes with health-related decisions to actively engage in their care, and reduce the occurrence of potential complications of diabetes. However, there has been relatively little research on the information exchange behaviors and their effect on health in professional online medical platforms—OHCs. Objective Using a social exchange theory, this study focuses on two sources of information (doctors and people with diabetes) to investigate information exchange behaviors and consequences. Moreover, we also examine moderating effects of information price as patients need to pay prices for consulting with doctors to obtain medical information on OHCs. Methods By using the Python program, a rich dataset contained 22,746 doctor-patient dialogues from December 2017 to December 2018 is collected from the biggest OHC in China. Then the logistic and ordinal regression models are used to get empirical results. Results We found that first information sharing from doctors and other people with diabetes can promote their information sharing behavior. Second, the moderating effects of information price are heterogeneous and change with the exchange participants. Third, rich information exchange supports self-management of people with diabetes and improves their health status. Conclusion This study is among the first that tests the information exchange behavior and consequence for diabetes in OHCs and examines the moderating effects of the information price. The present study produces several insights, which have implications for social exchange, patient behavior, online health communities, and information technology in diabetes self-management literature.

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

“…This online exchange is also gradually shifting from a purely receptive to a two-way exchange of information, which enables patients to gain emotional and social support from interacting with users who share their experiences, leading them to derive more benefit from, and become more enthusiastic about, participating in online activities (34). According to a study conducted by Jin et al, health information shared by doctors or other self-glucose managers in China's largest online health community had an initiating and spreading effect, leading to the sugar users receiving the information becoming the dominant ones sharing the information and integrating themselves into the online internet (11). Increasing adherence to blood glucose management is aided by both faith in the Internet and the information exchange online, according to the results of another Chinese online poll (55).…”

“…Increasing adherence to blood glucose management is aided by both faith in the Internet and the information exchange online, according to the results of another Chinese online poll (55). Previous research has found a link between health literacy and effective blood glucose selfmanagement (11,56). In a randomized controlled trial of diabetes patients lasting 6 months, Zhang et al found a statistically significant drop in HbA1c of 2.03% in the app-interactive management group compared to 1.37% in the app-managed group, but no statistically significant difference in blood glucose self-monitoring (57), which means that information exchange is a potential factor in improving glycemic status and is a starting point for future research into glycemic control.…”

“…As far as we know, online users are now also changing from one-way information searching to two-way information sharing (10). Users' perceived social support, blood glucose management, self-care compliance, and quality of life are all enhanced through online information exchange (11,12). As online information exchange enables a greater number of users to participate, it increases users' pleasure and sense of belonging to online activities, which will lead to a favorable impression of online activities and encourage them to continue to engage in online activities (11,13,14).…”

What are the roles of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self‐management in an eHealth care context? A cross‐sectional study

“…DKD may occur owing to multiple factors and is influenced by external environmental interactions, resulting in more complex self‐management. In the eHealth era, health devices provide a multifunction platform to assist patients in actively participating in disease care (Min et al, 2021). Patients with insufficient technical knowledge and skills may feel powerless and lack confidence and motivation in healthcare.…”

Developing an Online Health Community Platform for Facilitating Empowerment in Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

“…They offer a virtual environment where people with a specific condition or needs can exchange information and experiences and interact with other people who share the same interest or condition, as well as getting support from peers and health professionals. [6][7][8] Online health communities might be particularly useful in supporting the self-management of chronic diseases and can therefore help to address some of the challenges in caring for people with chronic diseases. 9,10 Online health community users reportedly feel they have the "right knowledge to manage their illnesses" and increased empowerment through becoming better informed and receiving social support.…”