iPeer2Peer Program for Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

iPeer2Peer Program for Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The iPeer2Peer program matches teens with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with an older mentor who has learned to manage their IBD well and can support them emotionally and socially. This study will compare two groups of teens: those who are in the iPeer2Peer program and those in the control group (no mentor).

The iPeer2Peer program matches teens with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with an older mentor who has learned to manage their IBD well and can support them emotionally and socially. This study will compare two groups of teens: those who are in the iPeer2Peer program and those in the control group (no mentor).

The proposed trial aims to examine the impact of the iPeer2Peer program on self-management skills of youth with IBD (mentees) as well as health outcomes of peer mentors in the program. This innovative program leverages the Internet, commonly used by youth, to improve access and acceptability of self-management interventions while fostering social engagement in youth with IBD, thereby potentially improving HRQL.

Inclusion Criteria:

• males and females 12-18 years old,
• gastroenterologist-diagnosed IBD,
• able to speak and read English,
• access to a computer, smartphone or tablet capable of using free Skype software (note: participants who do not have adequate Internet access will be provided with portable Internet devices),
• willing and able to complete online measures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant cognitive impairments or
• severe co-morbid illnesses (medical or psychiatric conditions) likely to influence HRQL assessment (e.g., psychosis, active suicidal ideation),
• participating in other peer support or self-management interventions