Warithorn Prawatwong, MSN., Chularee, Saranya, PhD., Chearanai Chantira, PhD

Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand

 

Abstract: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to determine the effect of two way Short Message System (2-way SMS) on glycemic control (GC) and quality of life (QOL) in diabetic patients. Data were collected from 70 diabetic patients. Those where randomly assigned into 2 groups equally. Participants in control group received a standard care while participants in control treatment group received a 2-way SMS as a treatment for 12 weeks. Research instrument composed of 2-way SMS and QOL measurement which was measured by World Health Organization QOL Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI) and D-39 questionnaires. GC was measured by level of Glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare HbA1c and QOL mean scores. The results revealed that the treatment group had a significant better GC than those in control group (p<.001). At the completion of the study, the treatment group’s HbA1c decreased from 7.886% to 6.526% the decreased rate of 16.79%. In addition, the treatment group demonstrated a significant better general QOL than those in control group (p<.001). As well, they demonstrated a better disease specific QOL as measured by D-39 in all five dimensions than those in control group (p<.001). The 2-way SMS helps diabetic patients in controlling glycemic level and thereby improve QOL. The healthcare facilities could implement 2-way SMS to remind patients in need for closely monitoring to take their medicines and treatments. The future study is to conduct a comparison study in determining the effectiveness of available reminder applications.