Zeinab M Hassan1. 1. Faculty of Nursing, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of using mobile phone text messaging to reinforce learning and the practice of diabetic foot care in a developing country. METHODS: Ongoing learning reinforcement (2-3 times weekly) by text messaging followed an informal class on diabetic foot care in a community clinic setting. Subjects with cell phone access and no history of diabetic foot wounds or current wounds were recruited for participation (N = 225). Foot examinations and pretesting by survey occurred just before patients departed the clinic; the posttest survey and a final foot examination occurred 12 weeks later. The survey included basic demographic items along with items to measure knowledge and current foot care practices. One sample t tests (raw scores) and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared knowledge and practice before and after intervention. RESULTS: Initially, a majority of the sample (76%) reported poor levels of foot care. After 12 weeks <1% reported poor foot care practices. Statistical testing showed significant gains in knowledge (by score and level) and nearly unanimous compliance with daily foot examination. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone text messaging is an economical, feasible, and effective method for educators to improve diabetic self-care, even in a developing country.
PURPOSE: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of using mobile phone text messaging to reinforce learning and the practice of diabetic foot care in a developing country. METHODS: Ongoing learning reinforcement (2-3 times weekly) by text messaging followed an informal class on diabetic foot care in a community clinic setting. Subjects with cell phone access and no history of diabetic foot wounds or current wounds were recruited for participation (N = 225). Foot examinations and pretesting by survey occurred just before patients departed the clinic; the posttest survey and a final foot examination occurred 12 weeks later. The survey included basic demographic items along with items to measure knowledge and current foot care practices. One sample t tests (raw scores) and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared knowledge and practice before and after intervention. RESULTS: Initially, a majority of the sample (76%) reported poor levels of foot care. After 12 weeks <1% reported poor foot care practices. Statistical testing showed significant gains in knowledge (by score and level) and nearly unanimous compliance with daily foot examination. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone text messaging is an economical, feasible, and effective method for educators to improve diabetic self-care, even in a developing country.