The effects of web-based diabetes education on diabetes care results a randomized controlled study

This study was experimentally carried out to determine the effects of web-based diabetes education given to patients with type 2 diabetes on their Alc level and the behavior of attending health check visits. Study sample was determined by basic randomized method and composed of 122 individuals with type 2 diabetes who were separated into experiment (n:61) and control (n:61) groups.The study was performed on a web site and in a Diabetes Education Unit in Endocrine Polyclinic of a university. Two different forms developed by the researcher were used in the data collection in order to diagnose the individuals with diabetes and to determine their needs, Alc levels and the behavior of attending health check visits. Education and data collection stages designed for the needs of experiment group were made on internet according to supportive-educative approach based on the Self-care Deficit Nursing Theory; monitoring control group was maintained by doctors and diabetes nurse in polyclinic and data was collected by the researcher from patient records. Repeated Measure Analyses were used to evaluate the data. Alc levels and the behavior of attending attending health check visits were followed on 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months prior to intervention.A statistically significant decrease was detected in time dependent Alc level of experiment group 8.0% from 6.9% (prior to intervention, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th months) (p<0.05), in control group 8.1% from 8.6% a rise was seen and while no significant change was determined (p>0.05). The rate of attending the controls was determined 74% in experiment group prior to intervention, while it was 100% at the end of 12th month; on the other hand, it was determined as 70% in control group, while it increased to 82%. The study strength was found 0.85 in the strength analysis. The obtained results demonstrated that web-based sites could be used as supplementary tools for the patient-based interventions in the education and follow-up of diabetes patients.Key Words: Diabetes Education, Internet, Self Care Deficit Nursing Theory, A1c, Health Check.