The effect of using mobile health on self-management of type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review in Iran

Type 2 diabetes, as one of the most common chronic diseases, requires ongoing management and support from the patient; therefore, patient participation and self-management play a pivotal role in controlling and preventing this disease. The increasing use of smartphones has provided a good opportunity for controlling and managing patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mobile health on the self-management of patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran. A systematic review study was conducted from 2010 to 2021. Searches in Persian and English scientific databases, IranDoc, MagIran, SID Web of science, and PubMed, were performed using keywords such as diabetes and mobile health. The process of reviewing and selecting articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed by two researchers independently. The study evaluation was performed by using a standard tool. After selecting articles, data extraction was performed using a data extraction form. Data analysis was performed with a content analysis approach. Finally, 23 articles were included from the 7767 articles found in the initial search stage, which examined patients' self-care in 11 areas using mobile health. Fourteen studies (61%) considered mobile health to be effective in increasing hemoglobin control. Other studies also found the use of mobile health in increasing adherence to exercise (n = 10), increasing adherence to medication (n = 9), increasing adherence to diet (n = 11), increasing care for diabetic foot ulcers (n = 8), increasing self-efficacy and empowerment (n = 5), increasing cholesterol control (n = 4), increasing awareness and attitude (n = 4), increasing control of insulin dose (n = 2), increasing adherence to education (n = 1), and increasing control of blood urea (n = 1), which were considered effective. The use of m-health effectively controls the disease and promotes self-management in type 2 diabetic patients. Considering the high cost of diabetes treatment, policymakers should implement appropriate interventions and strategies in the field of using mobile health to improve adherence to self-management of the disease.