Effectiveness of short message service intervention to improve glycated hemoglobin control and medication adherence in type-2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of prospective studies

Testing 3 Digital Health Platforms to Improve Mental Health Outcomes in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVE

Our aim in this study was to examine the potential impact of a 3-pronged digital health pilot intervention (TRIFECTA) on diabetes distress and depressive symptoms among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in British Columbia.

METHODS

We recruited 60 adults with T1D (mean age 38.9±15.1 years, 75% female, 77% Caucasian) who participated in the 6-month pilot intervention involving 3 digital health platforms: monthly, provider-led, group-based sessions over Zoom (virtual huddles); a WhatsApp peer texting group; and a web-based "Ask-the-expert" portal. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months and measured diabetes distress (T1D Diabetes Distress Scale), depressive symptoms (9-item Personal Health Questionnaire), and TRIFECTA engagement metrics.

RESULTS

Participation in TRIFECTA was associated with significant reductions in Overall Distress (p=0.011) and 4 distress subscales: Powerlessness (p=0.006), Management Distress (p=0.001), Hypoglycemia Distress (p=0.029), and Eating Distress (p<0.001). A higher number of virtual huddles attended predicted lower Overall Distress (p=0.019) and Family/Friends Distress (p=0.023). A higher number of "Ask-the-expert" posts viewed predicted lower Overall Distress (p=0.046), whereas a higher number of WhatsApp messages posted predicted lower Management Distress (p=0.006). Furthermore, engagement in all 3 metrics was a predictor for lower Negative Social Perceptions Distress (p<0.05). No associations were seen in other distress subscales or for depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in TRIFECTA was linked to reduced diabetes distress levels, but not depressive symptoms, in a platform-dependent manner. This study provides promising pilot data for a subsequent large-scale and fully powered randomized controlled trial.

Do digital health interventions hold promise for stroke prevention and care in Black and Latinx populations in the United States? A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Black and Latinx populations are disproportionately affected by stroke and are likely to experience gaps in health care. Within fragmented care systems, remote digital solutions hold promise in reversing this pattern. However, there is a digital divide that follows historical disparities in health. Without deliberate attempts to address this digital divide, rapid advances in digital health will only perpetuate systemic biases. This study aimed to characterize the range of digital health interventions for stroke care, summarize their efficacy, and examine the inclusion of Black and Latinx populations in the evidence base.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, the Web of Science, and EMBASE for publications between 2015 and 2021. Inclusion criteria include peer-reviewed systematic reviews or meta-analyses of experimental studies focusing on the impact of digital health interventions on stroke risk factors and outcomes in adults. Detailed information was extracted on intervention modality and functionality, clinical/behavioral outcome, study location, sample demographics, and intervention results.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight systematic reviews met inclusion criteria and yielded 519 individual studies. We identified six functional categories and eight digital health modalities. Case management (63%) and health monitoring (50%) were the most common intervention functionalities. Mobile apps and web-based interventions were the two most commonly studied modalities. Evidence of efficacy was strongest for web-based, text-messaging, and phone-based approaches. Although mobile applications have been widely studied, the evidence on efficacy is mixed. Blood pressure and medication adherence were the most commonly studied outcomes. However, evidence on the efficacy of the various intervention modalities on these outcomes was variable. Among all individual studies, only 38.0% were conducted in the United States (n = 197). Of these U.S. studies, 54.8% adequately reported racial or ethnic group distribution. On average, samples were 27.0% Black, 17.1% Latinx, and 63.4% White.

CONCLUSION

While evidence of the efficacy of selected digital health interventions, particularly those designed to improve blood pressure management and medication adherence, show promise, evidence of how these interventions can be generalized to historically underrepresented groups is insufficient. Including these underrepresented populations in both digital health experimental and feasibility studies is critical to advancing digital health science and achieving health equity.

Effectiveness, reach, uptake, and feasibility of digital health interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions have shown promising results for the management of type 2 diabetes, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes is not currently available. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of SMS, smartphone application, and website-based interventions on improving glycaemia in adults with type 2 diabetes and report on their reach, uptake, and feasibility.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo on May 25, 2022, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of digital health interventions in reducing glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in adults with type 2 diabetes, published in English from Jan 1, 2009. Screening was carried out using Covidence, and data were extracted following Cochrane's guidelines. The primary endpoint assessed was the change in the mean (and 95% CI) plasma concentration of HbA1c at 3 months or more. Cochrane risk of bias 2 was used to assess risk of bias. Data on reach, uptake, and feasibility were summarised narratively and data on HbA1c reduction were synthesised in a meta-analysis. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria was used to evaluate the level of evidence. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021247845.

FINDINGS

Of the 3236 records identified, 56 RCTs from 24 regions (n=11 486 participants), were included in the narrative synthesis, and 26 studies (n=4546 participants) in the meta-analysis. 20 studies used SMS as the primary mode of delivery of the digital health intervention, 25 used smartphone applications, and 11 implemented interventions via websites. Smartphone application interventions reported higher reach compared with SMS and website-based interventions, but website-based interventions reported higher uptake compared with SMS and smartphone application interventions. Effective interventions, in general, included people with greater severity of their condition at baseline (ie, higher HbA1c) and administration of a higher dose intensity of the intervention, such as more frequent use of smartphone applications. Overall, digital health intervention group participants had a -0·30 (95% CI -0·42 to -0·19) percentage point greater reduction in HbA1c, compared with control group participants. The difference in HbA1c reduction between groups was statistically significant when interventions were delivered through smartphone applications (-0·42% [-0·63 to -0·20]) and via SMS (-0·37% [-0·57 to -0·17]), but not when delivered via websites (-0·09% [-0·64 to 0·46]). Due to the considerable heterogeneity between included studies, the level of evidence was moderate overall.

INTERPRETATION

Smartphone application and SMS interventions, but not website-based interventions, were associated with better glycaemic control. However, the studies' heterogeneity should be recognised. Considering that both smartphone application and SMS interventions are effective for diabetes management, clinicians should consider factors such as reach, uptake, patient preference, and context of the intervention when deciding on the mode of delivery of the intervention. Nine in ten people worldwide own a feature phone and can receive SMS and four in five people have access to a smartphone, with numerous smartphone applications being available for diabetes management. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with this modality of programme delivery and encourage people with type 2 diabetes to use evidence-based applications for improving their self-management of diabetes. Future research needs to describe in detail the mediators and moderators of the effectiveness and implementation of SMS and smartphone application interventions, such as the optimal dose, frequency, timing, user interface, and communication mode to both further improve their effectiveness and to increase their reach, uptake, and feasibility.

FUNDING

EU's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

What is the effect of mobile phone text message reminders on medication adherence among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Globally, type 2 diabetes has become increasing. As little is known about the effect of educational intervention on this population, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of mobile phone text message reminders versus usual care to improve medication adherence among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and African Journals Online, were searched. A random-effects model was employed to estimate combined effect sizes. Subgroup analyses were employed to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity between studies. The overall certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

A total of 9 trials with 1,121 participants were included in the review. The pooled estimated impact of mobile phone text message reminders on medication adherence was (SMD: 0.36; 95%CI; 0.14, 0.59) compared to usual care groups among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed greater medication adherence levels in those studies with intervention durations of more than six months and with self-report/refill adherence scale measurement (SMD: 0.21; 95%CI: 0.02, 0.40) and (SMD: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.22, 0.68), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Mobile phone text messages can potentially lead to improved medication adherence levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes despite heterogeneity across the studies. Therefore, mobile phone text messaging when delivered in addition to usual care, have the potential to produce significant improvements in medication adherence.

Effect of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Medication Adherence and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Study from the Chinese Population

PURPOSE

Medication adherence plays an important role in glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management. To analyze the factors influencing medication adherence in T2DM patients and the effect of pharmacist-led interventions, we conducted a study in Beijing, China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

T2DM patients with hypoglycemic drugs for at least 6 months were enrolled. A pharmacist-led survey was conducted followed by individualized interventions for those non-adherent patients monthly within 3 months. FPG, HbA1c, and 2hPG were measured as the comprehensive glycemic control. Medication adherence was determined according to the patient's self-reported compliance with prescribed medication during the last 3 months.

RESULTS

A total of 763 T2DM patients were included. The average age was 63.26±11.89 years, with 363 males. After pharmacist intervention, the patients with good adherence increased from 34.21% to 39.06%, while poor adherence decreased from 32.5% to 24.5% (p < 0.001). The average adherence score was a significant increase (p < 0.001) from 27.846±4.185 to 29.831±7.065. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that pharmacist-led interventions significantly increased glycemic control (FPG from 42.33% to 53.60%, p < 0.001; 2hPG from 41.68% to 48.75%, p = 0.005; HbA1c from 24.12% to 29.23%, p = 0.024). The results found that body mass index (OR 0.643, 95% CI 0.437-0.945), use of medications empirically (occasionally (OR=3.066, 95% CI 2.069-4.543); often (OR=2.984, 95% CI 1.107-8.044)), following the doctor's advice to visit (OR 2.129, 95% CI 1.079-4.202) and lifestyle compliance (OR 2.835, 95% CI 1.094-7.346) were the independent risk factors of non-adherence (p < 0.05), the area under the ROC curve was 0.716.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported medication adherence and glycemic control in T2DM patients were poor which can be improved by pharmacist-led interventions. Interventions should focus on empirical medication behavior, non-adherence to lifestyle, and failure to follow the doctor's advice. The recall bias with self-reported results needs further objective data to verify.

Evaluation of a Text Messaging Intervention to Promote Preconception Micronutrient Supplement Use: Feasibility Study Nested in the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative Study in South Africa

Background

Social messaging strategies such as SMS text messaging and radio are promising avenues for health promotion and behavior change in low- to middle-income settings. However, evidence of their acceptability, feasibility, and impact in the context of young women’s health and micronutrient deficiencies is lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an automated 2-way text messaging intervention nested in an ongoing preconception health trial, the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI; HeLTI Bukhali) in Soweto, South Africa. Second, we aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a health promotion radio serial, which aired concurrently in the region.

Methods

In this feasibility study, 120 participants enrolled in HeLTI Bukhali between November 2020 and February 2021 received the 6-month 2-way text messaging intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data on intervention acceptability, usability, interaction, perceived benefit, and fidelity were collected during 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) and from study data logs. During the FGDs, data were collected on the acceptability of the radio serial. Following the text messaging intervention, capillary hemoglobin levels were assessed, and a participant questionnaire provided information on adherence and attitudes toward supplements. The text messaging control group comprised the first 120 women recruited from November 2019 to February 2020, who received the Bukhali intervention but not the text messages. Statistical significance testing and a linear mixed model were used for indicative effect comparisons between the text message–receiving and control groups.

Results

The text messaging intervention was found to be acceptable and to have perceived benefits, including being reminded to take supplements, gaining knowledge, and feeling supported by the study team. The use of the 2-way text messaging reply function was limited, with only a 10.8% (13/120) response rate by week 24. Barriers to replying included a lack of interest or phone credit and technical issues. Regarding the indicative effect, participants receiving the text messages had higher self-reported adherence at follow-up than the text messaging control group (42/63, 67% vs 33/85, 39% taking supplements every time; P=.02), and altitude-adjusted hemoglobin increased more between baseline and follow-up in the SMS text message–receiving group than in the text messaging control group (1.03, 95% CI 0.49-1.57; P<.001). The radio serial content was acceptable, although few participants reported exposure before the FGD.

Conclusions

Women reported that the text messaging intervention was useful and described the benefits of receiving the messages. Examination of hemoglobin status indicated a promising beneficial effect of text messaging support on adherence to micronutrient supplementation, requiring further exploration through randomized controlled studies. Health promotion through radio and text messages were both found to be acceptable, although more research into the radio serial reach among young women is needed.

Trial Registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR201903750173871; https://tinyurl.com/4x6n32ff

The effectiveness of an intervention designed based on health action process approach on diet and medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a major cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Diet and medication non-adherence are common among individuals with diabetes, making glycemic control difficult to attain. This study aimed to evaluate an intervention designed based on Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) to improve adherence to diet and medication among patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

The study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 248 patients with type 2 diabetes who had low diet and medication adherence were randomly allocated into two intervention (n  = 124) and control (n  = 124) groups. Intervention group received educational intervention during three months. HAPA constructs, diet and medication adherence, and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were assessed at baseline, one month and six months after the intervention. Mixed Model Analysis was used to compare between and within group changes in the outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in HbA1c levels after six months (7.77 ± 1.36% vs. 8.07 ± 1.52%, 95% CI, p  < 0.001). Diet and medication adherence, intention, task self-efficacy, coping self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, action and coping planning, barriers, benefits and perceived social support were significantly improved one month and six months after the intervention (p  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our intervention designed based on health action process approach led to improvements in diet and medication adherence, and HbA1c among the patients within one and six months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT, IRCT20151208025431N4. Registered 10 March 2018, https://fa.irct.ir.

The Study on Public-Interest Short Message Service (SMS) in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mobile User Survey and Content Analysis

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has greatly threatened the global health system and triggered the public health emergency. In order to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare and prevention information have been delivered through omni-media channels (e.g., television, radio, social platform, etc.). As a traditional outlet, the short message service (SMS) can timely provide abundant anti-epidemic alerts to mobile users. In this paper, we aim to investigate mobile users' attitudes toward COVID-19 public-interest SMS sent from government authorities and then explore the insight from messaging texts collected between January and April 2020 in China. In general, respondents show a positive attitude towards content and the necessity of public-interest SMS during the pandemic. However, we find that gender and age differences not only affect content evaluation, but also influence reading and forwarding behaviors. For the necessity of SMS, it shows significant difference between the 18-25-year-old and over 40-year-old group, with the middle and elder group showing serious attitudes and giving higher remarks than the youth due to the habits of media usage. However no significant difference is presented between females and males. In terms of content, the category of topics and releasing institutions are analyzed, respectively. Due to the centralized responses and coordination of prevention and control in China, the messages from COVID-19 disposal organizations (e.g., municipal steering group and provincial CDC) account for more than 70% among four cities.

Educating diabetic patients through an SMS intervention: a randomized controlled trial at a Brazilian public hospital

Objective

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a high healthcare system cost worldwide. Educational strategies are important to improve self-care and control this disease. This study aimed to evaluate satisfaction and clinical efficacy of a Short Message Service (SMS) educational intervention in self-care and nutrition at a Brazilian university hospital.

Methods

We conducted a trial of educational intervention and assigned eligible patients with DM to either receive weekly educational SMS for 6 months (intervention group [IG]) or no SMS at all (control group). A satisfaction questionnaire was applied before and after the intervention in both groups. Laboratory (fasting glucose, hemoglobin [Hb] A1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) and clinical (blood pressure) data were also collected. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Results

We included 128 patients (64 in each group). Responses to the satisfaction questionnaire with self-care and healthcare professionals from 112 patients revealed an improvement in the perception of receiving information regarding helpful eating habits and in healthy eating behavior and an improvement in satisfaction with their diabetes care in the IG. In the post-intervention period, improved systolic blood pressure and HbA1c levels were observed in the IG as illustrated by delta % (post-intervention minus pre-intervention data divided by pre-intervention data multiplied by 100) reductions of 2.3% and 3.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

SMS intervention was useful as an educational tool for improving satisfaction and glycemic and blood pressure control of patients with DM observed at a Brazilian university hospital.

Impact of Non-Tailored One-Way Automated Short Messaging Service (OASMS) on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Feasibility Study

Short message service (SMS) is easily accessible and potentially an ideal platform for delivering patient-targeted messages. However, an effective SMS dosing strategy is not well established. Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of diabetes self-care promoting messages via non-tailored one-way automated SMS (OASMS) on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was compared between patients who received the service and those who did not. This retrospective quasi-experimental pre-post feasibility study was conducted at an academic medical center endocrinology clinic. English-speaking adults (≥18 years) with uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 8%) were included. A total of 69 patients (intervention n = 34; control n = 35) met the inclusion criteria. The mean (±SD) baseline HbA1c values were 10.2% (±1.9%) and 9.9% (±1.7%) in the intervention and control arms, respectively. Median follow-up was 3.3 months (IQR = 3-4.2). An ANCOVA model adjusted for baseline HbA1c and age showed an estimated HbA1c reduction difference of -0.97% (95% CI, -1.73 to -0.20%, p = 0.014), favoring the intervention arm. Inverse propensity score weighting confirmed the ANCOVA results. Our study suggests that adding diabetes self-care promoting messages via non-tailored OASMS to usual care improves glycemic control in poorly controlled T2DM. Larger and longer studies are needed to evaluate different features of the non-tailored OASMS strategy.

Research Implications for Future Telemedicine Studies and Innovations in Diabetes and Hypertension-A Mixed Methods Study

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to identify, categorize and prioritize current implications for future research in the use telemedicine for diabetes and hypertension in order to inform policy and practice decisions. (2) Methods: An iterative mixed methods design was followed, including three consecutive steps: An updated umbrella review of telemedicine effectiveness, qualitative content analysis of extracted data on current research needs and a quantitative survey with practitioners and health care researchers in order to prioritize the identified needs. (3) Results: Overall, 32 included records reported on future research implications. Qualitative content analysis yielded five categories as well as subcategories, covering a need for high quality studies, comprehensive technology assessments, in-depth considerations of patients' characteristics, ethics and safety as well as implementation strategies. The online survey revealed that the most pressing future research needs are data security, patient safety, patient satisfaction, implementation strategies and longer follow-ups. Chi² statistics and t-tests revealed significant differences in the priorities of participants with and without experience in telemedicine use, evaluation and development. A factor analysis revealed six over-arching factors. (4) Conclusion: These results may help learning from mistakes previously made and may serve as key topics of a future telemedicine research agenda.