Maryam Aalaa, Maryam Peimani, Hamid Reza Aghaei Meybodi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background: Today, the internet has been emerged as a potentially effective medium for information
exchange and in recent years, the use of web-based training programs has been steadily considered in
the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. This technology provides an
opportunity to make health care more accessible for a large number of people and reduce costs. This
review provides a descriptive discussion of web-based behavioural interventions for the management
of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Systematic literature searches were performed using Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, Web of
Science and Cochrane library to retrieve articles written in english and published between 2000 and
2012 which fulfilled all inclusion criteria. The search keywords were “diabetes” AND “intervention”
AND (“internet OR web”). Only randomised controlled trials and quasi experimental studies were
included in this review.
Results: A total of 15 studies were reviewed. Goal-setting, personalised coaching, interactive
feedback and online peer support groups were some of the successful approaches which were applied
in e-interventions to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Strong theoretical background, use of other
technologies and longer duration of intervention were proven to be successful strategies as well.
Conclusion: The web-based interventions have demonstrated some level of favourable outcomes,
provided they are further enhanced with proper e-research strategies.
