The effectiveness of social media-based microlearning in improving knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes: an educational intervention

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of social media-based microlearning (SMBM) on enhancing the knowledge, self-care, and self-efficacy behaviors of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving care at a hospital-based diabetes clinic in Zahedan, Iran. Methods This intervention study was conducted from September 2021 to the end of 2022, with an intervention group (SMBM) and a control group (conventional-based training) consisting of patients with T2D. A total of 80 eligible patients were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 40) or the control group (n = 40). The knowledge level, self-care, and self-efficacy of the samples were assessed before and two weeks after the educational intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24, and independent and paired T-tests were used for analysis. Results The results of the study revealed that after the intervention, the levels of knowledge, self-care, and self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, the SMBM appears to be an effective tool for improving self-efficacy, self-care, and knowledge among patients with type 2 diabetes.