Effects of the Internet Based Self-Management Program for Carbohydrate Control and Exercise Promotion among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

            The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of an internet based self-management program for carbohydrate control and exercise promotion among patients with type 2 diabetes. The conceptual framework used in the study was Methakanjanasak (2005). The sample consisted of 70 type 2 diabetes patients, was simple random assign to two groups, 35 patients in experimental group and 35 patients in control group. The experimental group received a self-management program about knowledge and practice using video, sending information via the internet network, Line application, Facebook messenger, and the control group received routine care. The data collection process was carried out after 12 weeks program, study time during June 2021 – September 2021. Collecting data research tools used in this study consist of demographic data form and self-management behavior questionnaire for carbohydrate control and exercise. The content validity index, which five experts approved, was 0.90, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient tested reliability was 0.85. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann-Whitney U Test.

            The study results were that patients with diabetic receiving the self-management program had a higher mean rank of self-management behaviors than before receiving the self-management program (p=0.001) and had a higher mean rank of self-management behaviors than those in the control group (p<0.001).