Ufholz Kelsey E, Werner James J, Rao Goutham
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1056, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States.
Department of Psychiatry, Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States.
Fam Pract. 2025 Feb 7;42(2). doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmaf014.
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are lifelong conditions that require extensive lifestyle modifications. During the corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, in-person medical care was risky. Many patients suffered from isolation and loneliness. One remedy which would address both the need for obesity and diabetes-related self-management and social isolation is peer support groups. There is considerable evidence for the effectiveness of peer-led programs in weight management and in diabetes self-management. No prior study has evaluated the impact of a virtual peer support group for diabetes.
To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual peer support group for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2].
Patients at an urban, Midwestern healthcare system enrolled in an 18-month remote (Zoom) (November 2021-May 2023) peer support group. Weekly meetings featured peer discussions on topics related to diabetes self-management. Semi-structured interviews post-intervention underwent independent thematic analysis by two coders until a set of common themes emerged.
All participants expressed satisfaction and enjoyment with the study. The opportunity to connect with peers, increase awareness of the importance of diabetes management behaviors, and learn new skills were cited as meaningful. Many participants lived alone, making the social support offered by the group especially valuable.
A long-term stand-alone virtual diabetes peer support group filled an important social and emotional need among its members, especially among those who were most isolated. To achieve long-term behavioral change and healthier outcomes, the support group may need to be paired with individual counseling.
2型糖尿病和肥胖是需要广泛改变生活方式的终身疾病。在冠状病毒病19（COVID-19）大流行期间，面对面医疗存在风险。许多患者遭受隔离和孤独之苦。同伴支持小组是一种既能满足肥胖和糖尿病相关自我管理需求，又能解决社会隔离问题的补救措施。有大量证据表明同伴主导的项目在体重管理和糖尿病自我管理方面是有效的。此前尚无研究评估虚拟同伴支持小组对糖尿病的影响。
确定针对2型糖尿病和肥胖患者[体重指数（BMI）>30 kg/m²]的虚拟同伴支持小组的可行性和可接受性。
中西部城市医疗系统的患者参加了一个为期18个月的远程（Zoom）（2021年11月至2023年5月）同伴支持小组。每周的会议以同伴讨论与糖尿病自我管理相关的话题为特色。干预后进行的半结构化访谈由两名编码员进行独立的主题分析，直到出现一组共同主题。
所有参与者都对该研究表示满意和享受。与同伴建立联系、提高对糖尿病管理行为重要性的认识以及学习新技能的机会被认为是有意义的。许多参与者独自生活，因此该小组提供的社会支持尤其宝贵。
一个长期独立的虚拟糖尿病同伴支持小组满足了其成员，尤其是那些最孤立的成员的重要社会和情感需求。为了实现长期行为改变和更健康的结果，支持小组可能需要与个人咨询相结合。
