Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Intervention on the Perceptions of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Abstract Introduction There is a growing interest in the role of mobile health technologies in achieving self-efficacy among patients. The aim of study was to assess the perceptions of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients before and after android app based intervention. Methods This was a longitudinal study among 150 type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Mysuru city. Data on perceptions regarding illness, HbA1c level were collected, participants were instructed to install smartphone application ‘Diaguru’. At the end of 6 months, perceptions and HbA1c were reassessed. Descriptive statistical measures-percentages, mean and inferential statistical tests-paired t test, Chi-square test and Z-test were applied. Results Proportion of participants who felt diet (16.7%) and lack of exercise (27.3%) cause Diabetes increased post intervention. There was increase in proportion of participants who perceived ideal fasting (12.7%-30%) and postprandial (9.3-23.3%) blood sugar correctly. Post intervention, increasing number of participants reported that Diabetes can cause heart disease (60%), delayed healing (44.6%), eye problems (34.7%). There was positive correlation between perception scores and scores related to physical, psychological, social and environmental domains of quality of life. Conclusion Post smartphone based intervention, there was a significant difference in perceptions regarding Diabetes.