ArticleBMC primary care2026
Effect of a digital educational intervention based on orem's self-care theory on improving self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and reducing HbA1c in type 2 diabetes patients: a quasi-experimental study.
Article in BMC primary care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundType 2 diabetes is a major and growing public health challenge, both for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Its management and control largely depend on patients’ self-care behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a digital educational intervention based on Orem’s Self-Care Theory on improving self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes in Rasht, Iran.
methodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2024 on 96 patients with type 2 diabetes in Rasht. A multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to allocate patients into two groups: the intervention group (receiving the digital educational program) and the control group, with 48 participants in each. Data collection tools included the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure (SDSCA), Orem’s Self-Care Needs Assessment Questionnaire, and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire/Scale. HbA1c levels were assessed via blood samples. The digital educational program followed a “Microlearning approach” delivered over 8 sessions across 4 weeks (two sessions per week) in short digital modules. Data were collected at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, ANOVA, Friedman, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests through SPSS version 23.
resultsThe mean age of patients in the intervention group was 52.54 ± 7.07 years, while in the control group it was 54.45 ± 6.94 years, with no significant demographic differences between groups. Prior to the intervention, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of self-care needs, self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, or HbA1c levels (p > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and self-care requisites, as well as a significant reduction in HbA1c levels compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). These improvements were sustained at the two-month follow-up.
conclusionThe findings suggest that the combined application of Orem’s Self-Care Model and self-efficacy theory in digital self-care education programs, particularly through mobile-based digital platforms, can enhance self-care behaviors and reduce HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals incorporate this educational method into routine diabetes care, especially for patients who face barriers to attending in-person sessions due to physical limitations, distance, cost, or other factors.
trial registrationIRCT20240529061941N2 Avaiable at: https://en.irct.ir/trial/89349
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