The effects of WeChat-based educational intervention in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), as a common inflammatory rheumatic disease, often causes depression and impaired health-related quality of life (QoL). Although positive effects patient education have been demonstrated, limited studies explored the benefits via mobile applications for AS patients. This study aimed to evaluate WeChat-based educational intervention on depression, QoL, other clinical outcomes in Methods We conducted single-blind randomized controlled trial from March December 2017. Patients were recruited into group which received 12-week (consisting four individual online sessions, materials) or control receiving standard care. Data was collected at baseline 12 weeks. Outcomes measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II, Medical Study Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), Bath Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Patient Global Score (BAS-G), visual analog scales. Results A total 118 patients with included analyzed. Measures comparable between groups. After intervention, reported significant higher scores all domains SF-36 except physical functioning validity, compared group. Additionally, had lower depressive symptoms than No difference observed Conclusions found that WeChat reducing improving QoL Chinese AS. suggest this can be integrated current routine care Trial registration has approved hospital’s ethics committee (ID: 20160364) 2016 registered Clinical Registry (registry number: ChiCTR-IPR-16009293 ).