The effect of education through mobile phone short message service on promoting self-care in pre-diabetic pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction Gestational diabetes is increasing in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SMS messaging on the self-care among pre-diabetic pregnant women. Methods This randomized controlled trial conducted on 100 pre-diabetic pregnant women referred to Ahvaz Health Centers, Iran, Sep to Dec, 2016. Women were randomly assigned into the face to face education group and short message systems in addition to the face to face education group. Self-care variables were compared between the groups. Data was analyzed using chi-square, independent and paired t-tests. Results There was no difference regard to FBG and OGTT, but there was a significant difference between groups in physical activity level ( P<0.001) and in all food groups except bread and cereals after the intervention ( P<0.05). Conclusion The education through a short text message system seem couldn't control the blood sugar, but it could promote physical activity and food additives of pre-diabetic pregnant women.