Introduction and Objective: This study evaluated the impact of an interactive virtual assistant device, programmed with a behavioral intervention model, on mental-health and diabetes-related outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D)Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial enrolling participants aged 65 years or older with T2D. Participants were randomized to receive a Smart Speaker EchoDot 3rd Gen device, programmed with a behavioral intervention that included automatic medication reminders and health tips, or to continue with usual care for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was mental distress, assessed using the SRQ-20 scale. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (measured with the SF-36 scale), adherence to diabetes self-care behaviors (assessed with the SCI-R scale), and HbA1c. An analysis of covariance model was used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on study outcomes. Between-group mean differences after the intervention period, adjusted for baseline data and relevant covariates, were reported, with statistical significance set at an alpha level of 0.05Results: A total of 112 participants (63% female, 63% white; mean age: 72.5 years; mean T2D duration: 16.9 years; mean HbA1c: 7.9%) were randomized, with 103 completing the trial. At 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group showed a reduction in mental distress (mean difference: -1.46; 95% CI -2.73 to -0.19; p=0.024), an increase in quality of life (mean difference: 9.46; 95% CI 3.65 to 15.26; p=0.001), greater adherence to diabetes self-care behaviors (mean difference: 3.40; 95% CI 1.61 to 5.19; p<0.001), and lower HbA1c (mean difference: -0.48; 95% CI -0.85 to -0.11; p=0.011) when compared to those in the usual care groupConclusion: In this randomized controlled trial, a smart-speaker-based intervention was associated with significant improvements in mental health, quality of life, diabetes self-care behaviors, and HbA1c in older adults with T2D
L.S. Matzenbacher: None. F.L. da Costa: None. L.G.B. de Barros: None. V. Gheno: None. I.S. Maia: None. L.M. Blank: None. M.B. Brum: None. L.F. Fontoura: None. J. Alessi: None. G.H. Telo: None.
Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT 18/2021 grant)
Source link
Leave a Reply