Exploring the nexus of Social Media Networks and Instant Messengers in Collaborative Type 2 Diabetes care: A Case Study of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The widespread use of smartphones in Nigeria has resulted in the adoption of social media (SM) and instant messengers (IM) for communication and various creative purposes. These digital platforms have undeniably transformed communication dynamics. However, their effectiveness in the healthcare sector, particularly in managing chronic conditions, hinges upon a complex interplay of multiple factors. Using Port Harcourt (PH), Nigeria, as our case study, we examine their use for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) care. Employing an approach encompassing qualitative and quantitative data collection, we engaged 110 people with T2D (PWT2D), supplemented by interviews with 51 participants, including PWT2D, caregivers, and community pharmacists. The ensuing abductive thematic analysis generated two overarching themes, shedding light on the prevalent use of SM and IMs in Nigeria's T2D care landscape. This study furnishes actionable insights into improving SM/IMs for managing T2D and other chronic conditions, while advocating for their prudent use in global southern contexts.