Effectiveness of interventions involving social networks for self-management and quality of life in adults with diabetes: A systematic review protocol

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the effect of interventions involving social networks on self-management and quality of life in adults with diabetes. Introduction: There is growing evidence that interventions involving social networks have a positive impact on people with diabetes through social support and social participation. However, the existing literature or protocols relate to only one type of diabetes, a certain population, or one type of intervention involving social networks. This study will comprehensively assess the impact of interventions involving social networks on self-management and quality of life for all types of diabetes. Inclusion criteria: This study will consider studies that compare interventions involving the social networks (families, friends and peers) of adults with all types of diabetes with interventions that do not involve social networks. Methods: We plan to collect relevant randomized and non-randomized controlled trials for systematic evaluation and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Google Scholar. Studies published in English from database inception to the present will be included. After the search, two researchers will independently screen the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluate the selected literature critically and extract the relevant data required, then meta-analysis will be performed using Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019135949.