The Effect of Diabetes Self-care Education through WhatsApp Virtual Messenger on the Self-care Behavior of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Semi-experimental Study

Background and Objective: Immediate interventions are necessary to improve the self-care behaviors of diabetic patients. This study aimed investigate effect diabetes education through WhatsApp virtual messenger on behavior Materials Methods: semi-experimental was conducted in Jiroft, Iran, 2019, included 96 patients with type 2 who met inclusion criteria were selected randomly divided into intervention control groups using simple random allocation (lottery). The educational content sent group by researcher for 8 sessions 60 minutes (2 per week) messenger. Summary Diabetes Self Care Activities questionnaire completed two stages before one month after end both groups. obtained data analyzed SPSS software (version 24) descriptive (Mean±SD) inferential statistics (ANCOVA). Results: Before intervention, overall score scores such subscales as diet adherence, foot care, blood sugar control, regular medication use, increased significantly (P<0.001); however, there no significant change its (P>0.05). Conclusion: Implementation program helps can be used an effective method preventing adverse consequences diabetes.