A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MOBILE PHONE TEXT MESSAGING AS A SUPPORTIVE INTERVENTION IN THE MAINTENANCE OF GLUCOSE CONTROL
Abstract
Background: Poorly managed Diabetes results to unbearable complications, at high expense to the health system. Mobile phone text messaging can be an ideal platform in rendering self-management care to diabetic patients, which in essence improves the blood glucose control. The main aim of this study is to evaluate systematically, the effectiveness of Mobile phone text messaging as a supportive intervention in the maintenance of glucose control.
Methods: Various databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, Embase were searched following a timeline between the 1st of January 2004 to 1st of August 2019. Reference list from significant studies as well as included studies were reviewed for additional studies. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the effect of text messaging on haemoglobin concentration were well utilised in this review.
Results: Seven studies were included in the investigation for this review, having met the inclusion criteria. Reports from five of the studies stated that the intervention group had significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration, when compared to the control arm. It was observed from the meta-analysis that the impact of Mobile Phone Text Messaging (MPTM) on glucose control was effective (MD = -0.53, 95% CI= -0.75, -0.30, P < 0.00001).
Conclusion: Mobile phone text messaging can render supportive care towards improving health outcomes amongst diabetic patients. This can be achieved by enhancing the individual’s knowledge and self-efficacy, which would significantly assist in self-management.
