Can a peer coach help young people take control of their chronic illness?
NCT ID NCT03938324
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a peer coaching program delivered by phone and text can help adolescents and young adults (ages 16–22) with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis improve their self-management skills. Participants are paired with a trained peer coach who has a similar condition and who provides support and advice. The goal is to see if this approach boosts patient activation and readiness to transition to adult healthcare.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a mobile health peer coaching program where trained peers provide support via phone and text
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could offer a low-cost way to help young people with chronic conditions better manage their health and transition to adult care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a behavioral intervention, so results depend on participant engagement and may not work for everyone. The study is not designed to cure any disease.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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222 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2019
- Finished
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Jun 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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16 to 22 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * AYA 16 to 22 years * Childhood onset chronic condition from 1 of 3 condition categories * Read and speaks English * Access to internet via computer or Smart Phone * Access to telephone (Smart Phone not required as text feature can be accessed via internet) Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed cognitive dysfunction * Need for English translator
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
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