Content and frequency of writing on diabetes bulletin boards: does race make a difference?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diabetes-related disparities are well documented among racial minority groups in the United States. Online programs hold great potential for reducing these disparities. However, little is known about how people of different races utilize and communicate in such groups. This type of research is necessary to ensure that online programs respond to the needs of diverse populations.

Objective

This exploratory study investigated message frequency and content on bulletin boards by race in the Internet Diabetes Self-Management Program (IDSMP). Two questions were asked: (1) Do participants of different races utilize bulletin boards with different frequency? (2) Do message, content, and communication style differ by race? If so, how?

Methods

Subjects were drawn by pu

SUBMITTER: Case S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2762800 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature