Mobile SMS: A tool for management of diabetes via patients-relative’s knowledge and belief

Aim/background To assess the effectiveness of mobile SMS as a tool for behavior and life style modification in management of diabetes. Methods This interventional study was conducted from July 2014 to April 2015 at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE). Demographical and clinical information of subjects (patients and relatives) along with their knowledge and beliefs regarding diabetes was recorded using questionnaire. In Short Message Service (SMS) and non-SMS groups, education regarding diabetes was given. Two messages per day were sent to SMS group for two months. Results Total 648 subjects, SMS (n = 376) and non-SMS (n = 276) groups, were included in study. Mean age of patients and relatives was 45.41 ± 15.13 and 34.58 ± 11.91 in SMS group, while 47.06 ± 14.83 and 31.02 ± 11.51 in non-SMS group, respectively. No significant difference regarding level of knowledge and beliefs among both groups was observed at baseline. After SMS intervention, level of knowledge (p ≤ 0.0001) and beliefs (p ≤ 0.0001) were found to be significantly higher in SMS groups Non-SMS group. Conclusion Mobile SMS are an effective tool to deliver behavior and lifestyle modification advice and support for better management of diabetes and its prevention in people who are at high risk. Education intervention through SMS is found to be an important variable which enhances the knowledge and beliefs of the subjects.