The effect of tele-nursing application on metabolic control, self-efficacy, quality of life and anxiety level of adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Aim: The research was conducted as a randomized controlled study to determine the impact of tele-nursing application on metabolic control, self-efficacy, quality of life and anxiety levels of adolescents diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: The study involved 67 adolescents aged 12-18 diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus at a state hospital's Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic. Prior to the intervention, all participants received in-person training from the researchers. The intervention group received education and telephone follow-up for 6 months, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Ethical approval (Decision No: 2020-14) and registration (NCT05211479) were obtained for the research. Results: In the study, there were no significant differences in HbA1c, self-efficacy, quality of life, and anxiety levels between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, at the 6-month follow-up, the intervention group showed higher self-efficacy and quality of life levels and lower HbA1c and anxiety levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Within the intervention group, there was a reduction in HbA1c values and anxiety levels, accompanied by a notable increase in self-efficacy and quality of life levels at the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups compared to baseline (p < 0.05). The control group exhibited no significant changes in HbA1c values, quality of life, self-efficacy, and anxiety levels throughout the study (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Tele-nursing-based diabetes education and monitoring in adolescents with T1DM have been shown to increase self-efficacy and quality of life while decreasing HbA1c levels and anxiety. Therefore, routine use of tele-nursing for education and follow-up in T1DM-diagnosed adolescents is advisable. Key words: Adolescent, anxiety, metabolic control, self-efficacy, telenursing, type 1 diabetes, quality of life