Mobile sms: A tool for behaviour and life style modification in primary prevention of T2DM - A study from Karachi Pakistan

Abstract

Mobile technology is an innovative way to communicate with patients regarding diabetes education. An interventional study therefore was conducted to determine the effectiveness of mobile Short Message Service (SMS) to improve knowledge and belief regarding diabetes among patients and relatives Aim To determine the effectiveness of mobile Short Message Service (SMS) to improve knowledge and belief regarding diabetes among patients and relatives Methods This interventional study was conducted among patients with diabetes and their relatives attending the out-patient department of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) a tertiary care diabetes center from July 2014 to April 2015. The study subjects were selected by systematic randomly. Registered patients' data was collected from the electronic hospital database called Health Management System (HMS) against their medical record number, while the information of relatives was collected on a predefined questionnaire by trained diabetes educator. Even number (patients and relatives) were treated as SMS Group while odd number (patients and relatives) were treated as Non-SMS Group. At baseline visit participant’s knowledge and beliefs regarding diabetes were recorded on a predesigned questionnaire followed by an educational session given to both groups on one to one basis by a trained diabetes educator. Educational intervention regarding healthy lifestyle was repeated through SMS to the SMS Group. Two messages per days were sent to the SMS Group for two months. At the end of the study, same questionnaire was used for data collection, from both SMS and Non-SMS Group. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results We assessed 1040 participants for eligibility. 520 patients and 520 relatives recruited at tertiary care center. Out of 520 patients we selected 260 as a SMS Group and 260 as a Non-SMS Group similarly out of 520 relatives we selected 260 as a SMS Group (SMS) and 260 as a Non-SMS Group (Non-SMS). After SMS messaging we found that those who was getting SMS their knowledge and beliefs of becomes significantly increased. Conclusion We conclude that mobile phone messaging is an innovative and effective technology to improve knowledge and beliefs and reduce misconceptions regarding diabetes mellitus both among patients and relatives. Further large scale studies are needed to validate our findings.