Effectiveness of a Web-based Application on Health Literacy, Self-Efficacy, Self-Care, and Glycemic Control in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yada Reamrimmadun; Wanlop Jaidee; Aimutcha Wattanaburanon; Kunwadee Rojpaisarnkit

doi:10.59796/jcst.V15N1.2025.83

Authors

Yada Reamrimmadun Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chonburi 20130, Thailand
Wanlop Jaidee Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chonburi 20130, Thailand
Aimutcha Wattanaburanon Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chonburi 20130, Thailand
Kunwadee Rojpaisarnkit Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University, Chachoengsao 24000, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V15N1.2025.83

Keywords:

web-based application, health literacy, self-efficacy, self-care, glycaemic control, elderly patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The web-based application serves as a technology platform that enhances health literacy by providing diabetes-related content, activities, and quizzes. It boosts self-efficacy by enabling users to set health goals, promote self-care through practical activities, and use data collection and reminders to help regulate blood sugar and adopt healthy habits for elderly patients. This research study is experimental and includes a randomized controlled trial. The objectives of this study were to compare the effectiveness of using web-based applications in developing health literacy, self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and blood sugar levels. The sample group consisted of 60 elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels, made up of 30 people in the experimental group and 30 people in the control group. In the experiment, the web-based application was utilized over a period of 12 weeks to carry out a health literacy assessment. Self-efficacy, self-care, and blood sugar levels (FBS and HbA1C) were assessed before the experiment (Week 0, T1), immediately after the experiment (Week 12, T2), and during the follow-up period (Week 24, T3). The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA statistics. The results indicated that in T2 and T3, the experimental group achieved an average health literacy score, accompanied by an increase in self-efficacy, enhanced self-care, and a reduction in FBS and HbA1C that was greater than in T1, with statistical significance (p<.05). Moreover, the experimental group showed a greater increase in average health literacy scores, self-efficacy, and self-care compared to the control group, with fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1C levels decreasing more significantly than in the control group, at a statistically significant level (p<.05). In conclusion, the web-based application was able to promote health literacy among patients as it improved self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and the ability to regulate glycemic control in T2 and T3.

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