Objective: To explore the perceptions of Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) about the WeChat-based self-management mobile health (mhealth) platforms.
Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with a purposive sample of 20 older adults with T2DM. Interview data were summarized and refined with the NVivo 11.0 software. Content analysis was used for qualitative research.
Results: Three themes emerged from the interviews: Perception One: Better experience when using a self-management mobile platform; Perception Two: More practical functions of the platform; and Perception Three:Trust and assistance from others.
Conclusion: Older adults with T2DM have a high willingness to use the WeChat-based self-management mhealth platform. To encourage them to use the platform more frequently, the following factors should be taken into consideration: the perceived experience, fundamental demand for self-management, and need for others' support and assistance. These age-appropriate approaches to self-management health reform may benefit older adults with T2DM.
Keywords: Aged; Diabetes mellitus type 2; Mhealth; Self-management; T2DM.
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