Efficacy of eHealth Interventions for Adults with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Giulia Bassi, Elisa Mancinelli, Gaia Dell’Arciprete, Silvia Rizzi, Silvia Gabrielli and Silvia Salcuni
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Giulia Bassi: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
Elisa Mancinelli: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
Gaia Dell’Arciprete: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
Silvia Rizzi: Digital Health Lab, Centre for Digital Health and Wellbeing, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Povo, Italy
Silvia Gabrielli: Digital Health Lab, Centre for Digital Health and Wellbeing, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Povo, Italy
Silvia Salcuni: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: The aim is to provide meta-analytical evidence on eHealth interventions’ efficacy in supporting the psychosocial and physical well-being of adults with type 1 or type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and to investigate differences in interventions primarily targeted at providing glycemic control vs. psychosocial support. A PRISMA-guided systematic search was conducted. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) regarding eHealth interventions for adults (18–65 years) with DM were included. Data were pooled using Standard Mean Difference (SMD); sub-group analysis and meta-regressions were performed when appropriate. Outcomes were Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), diabetes distress, quality of life, anxiety, stress, and depression. Intervention acceptability was assessed performing the Odds Ratio (OR) of drop-out rates. Thirteen RCTs comprising 1315 participants were included (52.09% females; M age = 46.18, SD = 9.98). Analyses showed intervention efficacy on HbA1c (SMD = ?0.40; 95% CI = ?0.70, ?0.12; k = 13) and depressive symptoms (SMD = ?0.18; 95% CI = ?0.33, ?0.02; k = 6) at RCTs endpoint and were well accepted (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 0.72, 2.81; k = 10). However, efficacy on HbA1c was not maintained at follow-up (SMD = ?0.13; 95% CI = ?0.31, 0.05; k = 6). eHealth interventions providing medical support were acceptable and effective in fostering glycemic control and decreasing depressive symptoms in the short-term only. Digital solutions should be developed on multiple levels to fully support the psychophysical well-being of people with DM.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; eHealth; psychosocial factors; HbA1c; meta-analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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