DIMAS (Diabetes Management Support) Application: Mobile-Phone Based Intervention to Support Diabetes Self-Management Activities

Abstract

Introduction: The self-management process in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is essential to improve glycemic control. Currently, COVID-19 leading to a significant limitation in services and accessibility, especially regular support for diabetes patients. The utilization of DIMAS Mobile App is expected to be a support system to overcome these problems. This application has three menus such as health education containing information about diabetes, nutrition, medication, exercise, stress management, and foot care; self-care monitoring containing medication reminders, blood sugar and exercise records; and consultation with nurses. This study aimed to determine the effect of DIMAS (Diabetes Management Support) application on Diabetes Self-Management activities. Methods: Using an experimental study with One Group Pre-Posttest Design, the self-management activities were measured among 24 respondents after four weeks of intervention. The intervention was carried out with the DIMAS app and WhatsApp communication. Using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activity (SDSCA) questionnaire, the data were analysed with one paired sample t-test using SPSS 22. Results: Statistically significant changes were observed between pre and post-intervention measures: DSM activities with SDSCA (p=0,000) and the level of knowledge (p=0,000). The results showed that the biggest change in self-care activity was foot care and exercise with the increase of scoring was 2.4 and 0.8 respectively. Respondents stated that the application was useful for reminding them to take medication and communicating with nurses. Conclusion: The application makes it easier for patients to keep connected with nurses despite being constrained by distance and provides practical benefits in nursing services at home.