What relatives and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes talk about: Preliminary results from a computerized text analysis of messages posted on the italian facebook diabetes group

Abstract

Although Facebook groups dedicated to diabetes are widely available on the Internet, little is known about the conversation in them. This study aims to evaluate the content of communication in an Italian Facebook group dedicated to type 1 diabetes “Mamme e diabete”. Messages posted by participants from June to September 2014 were collected and assessed using computerized text analysis. Textual analysis revealed 5 dominant thematic clusters: “food and correction” (33.6%), “diabetes and life” (18.47%), “hi group” (16.87%), “bureaucracy” (15.82%) and “needle” (15.32%). Findings suggested that the focus of conversations is on daily management of diabetes and all the topics related. Mothers use online discussion boards also as a place to compare and share experiences regarding diabetes and related impact on their lives and seek and give encouragement by means of the group to better face the burden associated with the illness, its duration and effects on the child and family.