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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Mar 11;19(3):e0299799.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299799. eCollection 2024.

Feasibility of a family-oriented mHealth intervention for Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized control trial

Lu Hu  1   2 , Yun Shi  1   2 , Judith Wylie-Rosett  3   4 , Mary Ann Sevick  1   2   5 , Xinyi Xu  1   2 , Ricki Lieu  1   2 , Chan Wang  2 , Huilin Li  2 , Han Bao  6 , Yulin Jiang  1   2 , Ziqiang Zhu  7 , Ming-Chin Yeh  8 , Nadia Islam  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Feasibility of a family-oriented mHealth intervention for Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized control trial

Lu Hu et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objectives: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a mHealth intervention tailored for Chinese immigrant families with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with baseline, 3-, and 6-month measurements. Participating dyads, T2D patients and families/friends from NYC, were randomized into the intervention group (n = 11) or the wait-list control group (n = 12). Intervention includes 24 videos covering T2D self-management, behavioral techniques, and family-oriented sessions. Feasibility and acceptability were measured respectively by the retention rate and video watch rate, and a satisfaction survey. Patients' HbA1c, weight, and self-management were also assessed to test potential efficacy.

Results: Most T2D patients (n = 23; mean age 56.2±9.4 years; 52.2% male) and families/friends (n = 23, mean age 54.6±11.2 years; 52.2% female) had high school education or less (69.6% and 69.6%), annual household income < $25,000 (65.2% and 52.2%), and limited English proficiency (95.7% and 95.7%). The retention rates were not significantly different between the intervention and the control groups for both the patients (90.91% vs 83.3%, p = 0.589); and their families/friends (3-month: 90.9% vs 75%, p = 0.313; 6-month: 90.9% vs 83.3%, p = 0.589). The mean video watch rate was 76.8% (7%). T2D patients and families/friends rated satisfaction as 9.4 and 10 out of 10, respectively. Despite no between-group differences, the intervention group had significantly lower HbA1c (p = 0.014) and better self-management (p = 0.009), and lost 12 lbs. on average at 6 months (p = 0.079), compared to their baseline levels.

Conclusions: A culturally-tailored, family-based mHealth intervention is feasible and acceptable among low-income, limited English-proficient Chinese families with T2D in NYC. Significant changes in HbA1c and self-management within the intervention group indicate this intervention may have potential efficacy. Given the small sample size of this study, a future RCT with adequate power is needed to test efficacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

LH reports holding stock in Tencent Holdings Limited. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Participant enrollment flow.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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