Indian Journal of Science and Technology
DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2016/v9iS(1)/106819
Year: 2016, Volume: 9, Issue: Special Issue 1, Pages: 1-8
Original Article
Suthashini Subramaniam1 , Jaspaljeet Singh Dhillon1 , Mohd. Sharifuddin Ahmad2 , Leong Joyce WS3 , Cameron Teoh4 and Choo Su Huang5
1 Department of Information Systems, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Putrajaya, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia; [email protected]
[email protected]
2 Department of Software Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Putrajaya, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia; [email protected]
3 Department of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Serdang, Malaysia; [email protected]
4 Department of Psychology, Help University, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; [email protected]
5 D’ Centers, Diabetes Resource Centre, 41200 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia; [email protected]
Objective: To explore the users’ insights that contributes to behaviour change in prediabetics and the user requirements for a self-care application from the prediabetics’ perspective. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGD) on four distinct groups of diabetics and prediabetics at a Diabetes Resource Centre and among the public through advertisement. Open-ended questions were asked to stimulate the discussions. Transcripts of each discussion session were read several times, coded, categorised and analysed thoroughly by identifying the themes. The facial expressions during the discussion were also observed and taken into consideration. Findings: Results indicated that diabetes can be prevented through proper lifestyle changes, if and only if the person is willing to change his/her behaviour. The idea of a self-care application was well accepted by the participants and the components to be included were identified. The identified components are such as self-monitoring, diet, exercise, activity planning, goal setting, forum, social support and reminders. As for diabetics, taking medication has second highest priority where else it holds lesser priority among prediabetics. About 20% of the participants showed less interest in a self-care application either because they are not technology savvy or because of their advanced age status. Application/Improvements: A framework for designing prediabetes self-care application will be formulated, which integrates behavioural change theories.
Keywords: Behavioural Change, Blood Glucose, Diabetes Prevention, Mobile Application, Prediabetes, Web Technology
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