Effectiveness of an Online Educational Program on Diabetes Stigma, Body Image and Body Image Coping Strategies in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomised Clinical Trial

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an online educational program on diabetes stigma, body image, and body image coping strategies in adults with T1D. METHODS: In this randomised clinical trial, 88 participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly allocated into the intervention (n = 44) and control (n = 44) groups. The intervention group received four online educational sessions. Primary outcomes were the diabetes stigma, body image and body image coping strategies, which were measured before, immediately after and 1 month after the intervention using the Type 1 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-1), the Body Image Scale (BIS) and the Body Image Coping Strategies Inventory (BICSI). Data were analysed using independent samples t-test, ANOVA and repeated measures analysis of variance test. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly lower posttest scores for DSAS-1, lower posttest and follow-up scores for BIS, as well as higher posttest and follow-up scores in BICSI (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A short-term educational program can effectively improve diabetes stigma awareness, body image and body image coping strategies in adults with T1D. IRCT REGISTRATION: IRCT registration number: IRCT20200421047161N2; registration date:2023-01-20; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/.