BACKGROUND
An electronic diary embedded in a mobile device to monitor lifestyle can be as effective as traditional methods. However, the efficacy of self-monitoring multiple behaviors for dietary intake has not been well-studied in people with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Compare the effect of using technology-assisted self-monitoring vs. paper diaries on changes in dietary intake.
METHODS
This is a secondary data analysis of data collected from 39 people with type 2 diabetes as part of a 3-month randomized controlled trial. Changes in energy intake, the contribution of total fat intake, and total carbohydrate intake to total calories (%) from baseline to post-intervention (3 months) were evaluated.
RESULTS
67% of participants (n=26) preferred mobile diaries vs. paper diaries. Participants in the mobile diary group showed slightly higher self-monitoring adherence. Linear mixed modeling results indicated a significant overall decrease in total energy intake (p=0.005), dietary fat intake (p =0.01), and carbohydrate intake (p=0.08) from baseline to 3 months. No significant group differences were detected (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of a 3-month multiple-behavior self-monitoring intervention in diabetes self-management education programs has resulted in success in dietary intake on energy, fat, and carbohydrate intake, whichever self-monitoring method is chosen by participants according to their preferences. Long-term studies are needed to confirm our findings on dietary intake and examine other behavioral and disease outcomes that require monitoring.
CLINICALTRIAL