Comparison of In-Person and MMS -Based Education in Telegram on Self-care and Fasting Blood Sugar of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Clinical Trials

Introduction: Diabetes is a disease whose control requires effective self-care and patient education. Multimedia Messaging Service-based (MMS) education is one of the new methods for education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two types of in-person and MMS-based education in the Telegram application on self-care and weekly fasting blood sugar levels in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. Methods: In this clinical trial, a sample of 66 patients with diabetes who referred to the Sina hospital in Tabriz, were randomly assigned into two groups: in person and MMSM-based education. Data gathering tools included a demographic form, Toobert’s self-care activities questionnaire (as primary outcome), and a checklist to record fasting blood sugar weekly measured by a glucometer. Data were analyzed using independent and paired sample t-tests, chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: After the education the mean scores of self-care in terms of diet, exercise, foot care, and blood sugar testing activity significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05) and results of ANCOVA of the scores for all dimensions revealed no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Reduction in the fasting weekly blood sugar levels over a 12-week period were statistically significant in both groups (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the two groups (P> 0.05). Conclusion: MMS-based education same as in-person, improves self-care in patients with diabetes. Given the disadvantages of in-person education, this new educational strategy can be used to facilitate the patient education process and improve its quality.