Internet communities: do they improve coping with diabetes?

The purpose of this study was to establish and evaluate a Web-based educational and emotional resource for patients with diabetes and their family members. Activity and characteristics of 331 953 user visits were tracked over 74 months, including a survey of user satisfaction. A 2004 survey showed that users were from 37 different countries, with most from the United States (87%) and Canada (4%). The average length of use was 16:44 minutes. Respondents (n = 791) to the satisfaction survey were 71% female, 46% were insulin users, 84% were aged >30 years, 34% had diabetes >10 years, and 39% visited more than 3 times. A total of 74% of all respondents rated participation in the discussion board as having a positive effect on coping with diabetes, and 71% rated participation as helping them to feel more hopeful. A professionally moderated Internet discussion group appears to be a useful strategy for engaging patients with diabetes and increasing perceived ability to cope with diabetes.