WhatsApp‐based intervention for people with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by prolonged elevated blood glucose levels. Diabetes self‐management education and support programs are widely used in western countries. The impact of social media education and support interventions such as a WhatsApp‐based program and the nurses' role in supporting and implementing this self‐management program unclear. Using a WhatsApp‐based program, we evaluated the effects of a 6‐week program in improving self‐efficacy and education among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Eligible participants (n = 80) were recruited with the support of nurses into a randomized controlled trial and randomly assigned into self‐management intervention and control groups. The intervention group (n = 40) received the self‐management program support and the usual care. The control group (n = 40) received only the usual care with nurses' support. Results from generalized estimating equation analysis showed a significant increase in self‐efficacy, self‐management, and education in the WhatsApp‐based intervention support group compared with the control group at 6 and 12 weeks (follow‐up). Implementing the program via social media improves self‐efficacy. The use of social media platforms should be promoted for global diabetes management.