Perspective of young people with diabetes on educational intervention on Facebook®

Abstract

Objective: To understand the perspective of young people with Diabetes Mellitus on the participation in a self-care encouragement group on Facebook®. Methods: A descriptive and exploratory study with 35 young people with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who participated in a group on Facebook®. The data were collected by a semi-structured interview and after was submitted to Thematic Content Analysis. Results: Three categories were identified: conventional care offered to young people with Diabetes Mellitus; advantages of using Facebook® for healthcare innovation; and Spirit of community and strengthening of bond from the group on Facebook®. These show that, from the perspective of young people with diabetes, participation in the group favored the development of spirit of community and strengthening of bond between peers, besides helping to accept the disease and to form a support network. In addition, there was a positive assessment of participation, as young people expressed the wish that other groups with similar characteristics be implemented. Conclusion: Educational actions on Facebook® are well accepted by young people and can be an important strategy to bring them closer to health services and help them in their self-care actions.