Assessment of information needs amongst people with diabetes mellitus in different stages of the disease

There is initial evidence that the information needs can differ in different stages of the disease. Studies which describe and analyze the change in information needs during the course of diabetes are missing. In addition to clinical factors that characterize specific stages of the disease, other stable but also changing personal and environmental factors related to information needs can be identified. First study results indicate that, for example, the perceived level of information, participation preferences and coping strategies are associated with information needs. Other associations with information-related constructs such as health literacy are also conceivable. Only little is known about the association with environmental factors such as social support.

Aims

• Analysis of the association between disease-related factors and diabetes-related information needs
• Identification of personal and/or environmental factors that potentially operate as mediator or moderator variables in the association of disease-related factors and information needs

A follow-up study will look beyond the project to address changes in information needs.