Reciprocal Peer Support for Post-partum Patients with Diabetes: A Needs Assessment for the Diabetes Buddy Program

M. Alexandra Friedman*, Charlotte M. Niznik, Janelle R. Bolden, Lynn M. Yee

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

While peer support has been investigated in multiple clinical contexts, its application to the postpartum setting is unknown. The aim was to assess acceptability of a postpartum peer support program for women with diabetes. Observational survey-based needs assessment of forty low-income women with diabetes, receiving care at a major medical institution. Mean age and gravidity were 30.7 years and 3.15 ± 1.67 respectively. 45 % expressed interest in a “buddy.” There was no significant difference between groups desiring and not desiring this program. A majority of respondents desired telephone, text messaging, and in-person contacts (79.2, 72.1, 83.8 %), with 72.5 % of patients desiring diabetes-related activities during clinic waiting time. Many women desire a postpartum diabetes reciprocal peer program for support outside of clinician visits. Patients are receptive to educational services during their wait and outside of clinic time, a potentially valuable opportunity to share important health information.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)354-358
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Community Health
Volume41
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016

Keywords

  • Gestational diabetes
  • Peer support
  • Postpartum period
  • Pregnancy
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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