Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common and costly diseases in the world, the most common complication of which is a diabetic foot ulcer. The best way to control this complication is to follow a proper diet and adhere to a medication diet. The SMS and Telegram system can be effective due to the elimination of time and place constraints and the establishment of an effective care relationship with the client. This study aimed to determine the effect of SMS reminders and cyberspace on adherence to the medication regimen and treatment regimen of diabetic patients in Golestan province.

Method: This experimental study was performed before and after, on 45 patients with diabetes in Gonbad Kavous in 2019. Simple random sampling was performed in three groups: SMS, Telegram and control group. The SMS and Telegram groups received a training program based on drug adherence for 12 weeks (3 messages per week). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Morisky medication adherence scale and entered in SPSS21 software, then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

Results: ANOVA showed no significant difference between the three groups before the intervention (p=0.95). But after the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the 3 groups (p= 0.03) in which the rate of adherence to the drug regimen was higher in the Telegram and cyberspace groups.

Discussion and Conclusion: According to the findings, SMS and Telegram service can be used as a new and effective method in forming nutritional behaviours and adhering to the medications. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used to educate diabetic patients in clinics and medical centers.

Keywords: Diabetes, Drug Adherence, Diet, SMS Reminder, Cyberspace Reminder