Improving Pre-Diabetes Knowledge and Management Among Adults in Primary Care Using Text Messaging

Abstract

Problem Statement: Pre-diabetes may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications, such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and death. The need for pre-diabetes identification, education, and lifestyle modification is essential. Integrating text messaging with lifestyle modifications can provide an effective and feasible way to improve pre-diabetes and diabetes management. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a nurse-practitioner-led pre-diabetes education and text message reminder program to determine the effect on knowledge and management of pre-diabetes during twelve weeks. Design and Methodology: In this quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test, delayed post-test design, 27 pre-diabetic adults were recruited via convenience sampling from a primary care office in Cranston, RI. Participants took the standardized Revised Diabetes Knowledge test (DKT2) immediately before and after pre-diabetes education. Participants then received text message reminders to reinforce education bi-weekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes measures included blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), knowledge scores, and a post-study survey. Results: Knowledge scores improved between pre-education and post-education, although not statistically significant (z= -1.55, p=0.12). Knowledge scores between pre-education and post-intervention improved significantly (z= -1.95, p=0.05). Among the participants that completed the study, 75% reported the intervention helped improve their health management. Conclusion: Results from this study indicate the effectiveness of pre-diabetes education and text messaging in the knowledge and management of pre-diabetes. Findings support further investigation into the use of text messaging to support primary care patients with chronic diseases. Key words: pre-diabetes in primary care, pre-diabetes and diabetes management using text messaging, chronic disease management using telehealth

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

First Advisor

Elizabeth Magriby

Date of Award

1-1-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

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