AUTHOR=Guo Hanbin , Xiao Yibiao , Liao Canlin , Sun Jiating , Xie Yanchun , Zheng Yitong , Fan Guanhua 

TITLE=U-shaped association between online information exchange and app usage frequency: a large-scale survey of China ‘s online young and middle-aged people with pre diabetes and diabetes

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Endocrinology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1141645

DOI=10.3389/fendo.2023.1141645

ISSN=1664-2392

ABSTRACT=Background：
China has the world's largest diabetic population, and the cost of caring for all these people every day is substantial. Online information exchange and app usage frequency have been demonstrated to play a significant influence in the management of blood glucose and enhancement of diabetes-related quality of life. However, the association between online information exchange and app usage frequency among actual online populations remains unclear and deserves additional study.
Method：
This cross-sectional study was conducted by disseminating questionnaires in blood glucose management-related forums and WeChat groups and included 1586 online users concerned about blood glucose management. We performed stratified and single factor analysis, multiple equation regression analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect and saturation effect analysis. 
Result：
After adjusting for other covariates, information exchange was independently and positively associated with app use frequency (β = 8.6, 95% CI: 6.5 to 11.2, p < 0.001). The association between information exchange and app usage frequency is U-shaped, with information exchange inflection points of 3.0 and 4.2. Information exchange and app usage frequency are negatively correlated when the average information exchange score is less than 3.0. The relationship between information exchange and app usage frequency is strongest when it is greater than or equal to 3.0 and less than or equal to 4.2. The probability of the app high usage frequency group occurring compared to the app low usage frequency group rises 17.3 times for every 1 point increase in the average information exchange score. When the score of information exchange is higher than 4.2, the probability of higher app usage frequency group will be reduced
Conclusion：
The link between information exchange and app use frequency was significantly U-shaped. The app usage frequency changed the most with the rise in information exchange when the information exchange score was greater than or equal to 3.0 and less than or equal to 4.2.