scholarly journals 116 An Experimental Study to Assess the Professional and Social Consequences of Tardive Dyskinesia

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Ayyagari ◽  
Debbie Goldschmidt ◽  
Fan Mu ◽  
Stanley N. Caroff ◽  
Benjamin Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Tardive Dyskinesia ◽  
Involuntary Movement ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
The Impact

Abstract:Study Objective:Evaluate the impact of orofacial tardive dyskinesia (TD) symptoms on the professional and social lives of patients with TD.Background:TD, a movement disorder affecting the face and extremities, may arise in patients taking antipsychotics. The impact of social stigma on the professional and social lives of patients with orofacial manifestations of TD has not been thoroughly examined.Methods:This study is an experimental, randomized digital survey of a general population sample. Three component surveys were developed, corresponding to employment, dating, and friendship domains. For each domain, participants were randomized 1:1 into either a test group (who viewed a video of a scripted interview with a standardized patient actor depicting TD movements) or a control group (who viewed the same actors but without TD movements), and asked about their impressions of the video subject. Actor simulations were validated by physicians familiar with TD and rehearsed to simulate a total Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score between 6 and 10. Statistical comparison was made using Wilcoxon sign-rank or chi-squared tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.Results:A total of 800 respondents completed each survey. In all domains, respondents had more-negative perceptions of actors portraying TD movements than of the same actors without movements. Regarding employment, 34.8% fewer respondents in the test group versus the control group agreed that the actor would be suitable for client-facing jobs (P<0.001). Regarding dating, the proportions of respondents who agreed that they would like to continue talking to the actor and who would be interested in meeting them for coffee/drink were 25.0% and 27.2% lower, respectively, in the test group than in the control group (P<0.001). Regarding friendship, the proportions of respondents who rated the actor as interesting and who would be interested in friendship with them were 18.8% and 16.5% lower, respectively, in the test group than in the control group (P<0.001).Conclusions:Actors simulating orofacial TD movements were perceived to be statistically significantly less likely to move forward in a job interview, be considered as a potential romantic partner, or be a new friend. This is the first study to quantify the stigma faced by people with TD in a variety of professional and social situations.Funding Acknowledgements:This study was funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Petach Tikva, Israel.

scholarly journals 115 An Experimental Study to Assess the Professional and Social Consequences of Mild-to-Moderate Tardive Dyskinesia

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-275
Author(s):  
Rajeev Ayyagari ◽  
Debbie Goldschmidt ◽  
Fan Mu ◽  
Stanley N. Caroff ◽  
Benjamin Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Tardive Dyskinesia ◽  
Involuntary Movement ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
The Impact

Abstract:Study Objective:To Evaluate the impact of mild-to-moderate orofacial tardive dyskinesia (TD) symptoms on the people and social lives of people with TD.Background:TD, a movement disorder affecting the face and extremities, may arise in patients taking antipsychotics. The impact of stigma on the professional and social lives of people with moderate-to-severe TD was previously examined, but has not been investigated in those with mild-to-moderate TD.Methods:This study is an experimental, randomized digital survey of a general population sample. Three component surveys corresponding to employment, dating, and friendship domains were adopted from a prior study. For each domain, participants were randomized 1:1 into either a test group (who viewed a video of a scripted interview with an actor depicting mild-to-moderate TD movements) or a control group (who viewed the same actor but without TD movements) and asked about their impressions of the video subject. Actor simulations of the TD symptoms were validated by physicians familiar with TD and rehearsed to simulate orofacial movements with a total Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score of 3–6. Statistical comparison was made using Wilcoxon signed-rank or chi-squared tests for continuous and categorical variables.Results:A total of 800 respondents completed each survey. In all domains, respondents had more negative perceptions of actors portraying mild-to-moderate TD movements than of the same actors without movements. For employment, 41% fewer respondents in the test group versus the control group agreed that the actor would be suitable for client-facing jobs (P<0.001). For dating, the proportions of respondents who agreed that they would like to continue talking to the actor and who would be interested in meeting them for a coffee/drink were 23.2% and 26.0% lower, respectively, in the test group than in the control group (P<0.001). For friendship, the proportions of respondents who rated the actor as interesting and who would be interested in friendship with them were 13.0% and 12.2% lower in the test group than in the control group (P<0.001).Conclusions:This study addresses the stigma faced by those with mild-to-moderate TD in professional and social situations. Consistent with previous results for moderate-to-severe TD, actors simulating mild-to-moderate orofacial TD movements were perceived to be less likely to move forward in a job interview, be considered as a potential romantic partner, or be a new friend.Funding Acknowledgements:This study was funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Petach Tikva, Israel.

Regression of cardiac amyloid deposits with novel therapeutics: reaching new frontiers in cardiac ATTR amyloidosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Chacko ◽  
A Martinez-Naharro ◽  
T Kotecha ◽  
R Martone ◽  
D Hutt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽  
T1 Mapping ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cardiac Amyloid ◽  
Attr Amyloidosis ◽  
Amyloid Load ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Cardiac involvement is the main driver of outcome in ATTR amyloidosis. Advances in therapeutics hold potential in transforming the course of the disease but the impact on cardiac amyloid load is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of patisiran, a new double stranded RNA based gene silencing therapy and a stabilizer, diflunisal, on cardiac amyloid load as measured by CMR and T1 mapping, in patients with ATTR amyloidosis. Methods and results Thirty-two patients with hereditary cardiac amyloidosis were studied. Sixteen patients received treatment with patisiran, and sixteen control subjects did not receive any disease modifying treatment. Patients were assessed with echocardiogram, CMR, NT-proBNP and six-minute walk time measurements at baseline and at 1 year (Mean interval 11.45±3.08 months in treatment group, mean interval 12.82±5.06 months in the control group). CMR analysis comprised LV volumes, T1 mapping to measure the extracellular volume (ECV) occupied by amyloid, T2 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement imaging. At 1-year follow-up, there was a substantial reduction in cardiac amyloid burden, in keeping with cardiac amyloid regression in 45% of patients on treatment. Overall the treatment group showed a reduction in ECV at 1 year follow up compared to an increase in ECV at 1 year in the control group (−1.37%, 95% CI: −3.43 to 0.68% versus 5.02%, 95% CI: 2.86% to 7.18% respectively, p&lt;0.001). The treatment group also showed an improvement in change in 6MWT at 1 year follow up compared to 6MWT at 1 year in the control group (−8.12 meters, 95% CI: −50.8 to 34.6 meters in the treatment group versus −132.27 meters, 95% CI: −216 to −48.6 meters in the control group, p=0.002). The treatment group showed a reduction in BNP at 1 year follow up compared to an increase in the control group (−567.87, 95% CI: −1288.90 to 153.15 in the treatment group versus 2004, 95% CI: 12.82 to 3995.45 in the control group, p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference from baseline and 1-year data between the control and treatment groups for the difference in echocardiographic parameters, native T1, T2. There was a significant reduction in the percentage of injected dose by 99Tc-DPD scintigraphy in treated patients at 1 year compared to baseline. Conclusions These findings provide the first compelling evidence of substantial cardiac amyloid regression in ATTR amyloidosis, as well as the potential for CMR to be used to track response in treated patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Combination therapy with transthyretin knock down and stabilizing agents may well be synergistic given enhanced stoichiometry of stabilizers in the face of much reduced plasma transthyretin concentration. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Assessing the Impact of Attendance Modality on the Learning Performance of a Course on Machines and Mechanisms Theory

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 558
Author(s):  
David Valiente ◽  
Héctor Campello-Vicente ◽  
Emilio Velasco-Sánchez ◽  
Fernando Rodríguez-Mas ◽  
Nuria Campillo-Davo
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Group Testing ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Team Work ◽  
University Education ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Impact

University education approaches related to the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), have generally particularized on teaching activity and learning programs which are commonly understood as reoriented lessons that fuse theoretic concepts interweaved with practical activities. In this context, team work has been widely acknowledged as a means to conduct practical and hands-on lessons, and has been revealed to be successful in the achievement of exercise resolution and design tasks. Besides this, methodologies sustained by ICT resources such as online or blended approaches, have also reported numerous benefits for students’ active learning. However, such benefits have to be fully validated within the particular teaching context, which may facilitate student achievement to a greater or lesser extent. In this work, we analyze the impact of attendance modalities on the learning performance of a STEM-related course on “Machines and Mechanisms Theory”, in which practical lessons are tackled through a team work approach. The validity of the results is reinforced by group testing and statistical tests with a sample of 128 participants. Students were arranged in a test group (online attendance) and in a control group (face-to-face attendance) to proceed with team work during the practical lessons. Thus, the efficacy of distance and in situ methodologies is compared. Moreover, additional variables have also been compared according to the historical record of the course, in regards to previous academic years. Finally, students’ insights about the collaborative side of this program, self-knowledge and satisfaction with the proposal have also been reported by a custom questionnaire. The results demonstrate greater performance and satisfaction amongst participants in the face-to-face modality. Such a modality is prooven to be statistically significant for the final achievement of students in detriment to online attendance.

scholarly journals Improved adherence with Medicines Use Review service in Slovenia: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Urška Nabergoj Makovec ◽  
Igor Locatelli ◽  
Mitja Kos
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Relative Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Medicines Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Medicines Use Review

Abstract Background Based on several existing patient-oriented activities, Medicines Use Review (MUR) service was standardized and officially adopted in Slovenia in 2015. Service aims to provide adherence support and ensure safe and effective medicines use. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of MUR in Slovenia, primarily the impact on medication adherence. Methods A randomised controlled trial was performed in community pharmacies to compare MUR with standard care. Patients were randomised into either the test (patients received MUR by a certified MUR provider at visit 1), or control group. The study primary outcome was self-reported adherence to multiple medications, assessed by electronic ©Morisky Widget MMAS-8 Software at the first visit (V1) and after 12 weeks (V2). A sub-analysis of intentional and unintentional non-adherence was performed. MUR impact was defined as the relative difference in ©MMAS-8 score after 12 weeks between the test and control group. A multiple linear regression model was used to predict MUR impact based on baseline adherence (low versus medium and high). Several secondary outcomes (e.g. evaluation of drug-related problems (DRPs)) were also assessed. Results Data from 153 (V1) and 140 (V2) patients were analysed. Baseline adherence was low, moderate and high in 17.6, 48.4 and 34.0% patients, respectively. In the low adherence subpopulation, test group patients showed a 1.20 point (95% CI = 0.16–2.25) increase in total ©MMAS-8 score (p = 0.025) compared to control group patients. A 0.84 point (95% CI = 0.05–1.63) increase was due to intentional non-adherence (p = 0.038), and a 0.36 point (95% CI = − 0.23-0.95) was due to unintentional non-adherence (p = 0.226). Additionally, statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients with manifested DRPs (p < 0.001) and concerns regarding chronic medicines use (p = 0.029) were revealed. Conclusion MUR service in Slovenia improves low medication adherence and is effective in addressing DRPs and concerns regarding chronic medicines use. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04417400; 4th June 2020; retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Adherence with Mask Resupply: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 720
Author(s):  
Adam Benjafield ◽  
Liesl Oldstone ◽  
Leslee Willes ◽  
Colleen Kelly ◽  
Carlos Nunez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airway Pressure ◽  
Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Billing Data ◽  
Pressure Therapy ◽  
Therapy Termination ◽  
Few Data ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

There are currently few data on the impact of mask resupply on longer-term adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This retrospective analysis investigated the effects of mask/mask cushion resupply on the adherence to PAP versus no resupply. Deidentified patient billing data for PAP supply items were merged with telemonitoring data from Cloud-connected AirSense 10/AirCurve 10 devices via AirViewTM (ResMed). Eligible patients started PAP between 1 July 2014 and 17 June 2016, had ≥360 days of PAP device data, and achieved initial U.S. Medicare adherence criteria. Patients who received a resupply of mask systems/cushions (resupply group) were propensity-score-matched with those not receiving any mask/cushion resupply (control group). A total of 100,370 patients were included. From days 91 to 360, the mean device usage was 5.6 and 4.5 h/night in the resupply and control groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with a mean device usage ≥4 h/night was significantly higher in the resupply group versus the control group (77% vs. 59%; p < 0.0001). The therapy termination rate was significantly lower in the resupply group versus the control group (14.7% vs. 31.9%; p < 0.0001); there was a trend toward lower therapy termination rates as the number of resupplies increased. The replacement of mask interface components was associated with better longer-term adherence to PAP therapy versus no resupply.

scholarly journals The Impact of Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse on the Bond Strength of Polycarbonate Orthodontic Brackets

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 688-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sukumaran Anil ◽  
Farouk Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Mohammed Ibrahim Hashem ◽  
Elna P Chalisserry
Keyword(s):  
Bond Strength ◽  
Shear Bond Strength ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Orthodontic Brackets ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mouth Rinse ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bond Strengths ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of the current in-vivo study was to assess the effect of using 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth rinse, before bonding, on shear bond strength of polycarbonate brackets bonded with composite adhesive. Subjects and methods Eighteen orthodontic patients with a mean age 21.41 ± 1.2 years, who were scheduled to have 2 or more first premolars extracted, were included in this study. Patients were referred for an oral prophylaxis program which included, in part, the use of a mouth rinse. Patients were divided into 2 groups, a test group of 9 patients who used 0.12% CHX gluconate mouth rinse twice daily and a control group of 9 patients who used a mouth rinse without CHX, but with same color. After 1 week, polycarbonate brackets were bonded to first premolars with Transbond XT composite adhesive. Premolars were extracted after 28 days and tested for shear bond strength on a universal testing machine. Student's t-test was used to compare shear bond strengths of both groups. Results No statistically significant difference was found in bond strengths’ values between both groups. The test group (with CHX) has mean shear bond strength of 14.21 ± 2.42 MPa whereas the control group (without CHX) revealed a mean strength of 14.52 ± 2.31 MPa. Conclusion The use of 0.12% CHX mouth rinse, for one week before bonding, did not affect the shear bond strength of polycarbonate brackets bonded with Transbond composite. Furthermore, these brackets showed clinically acceptable bond strength. How to cite this article Hussein FA, Hashem MI, Chalisserry EP, Anil S. The Impact of Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse on the Bond Strength of Polycarbonate Orthodontic Brackets. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(6):688-692.

scholarly journals Efficiency of zeolite basis preparation in fattening lambs diet

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stojkovic ◽  
Z. Ilic ◽  
S. Ciric ◽  
B. Ristanovic ◽  
M.P. Petrovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Zeolite ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Sheep Milk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
At Will

The paper presents the results of a research on the impact of products based on natural zeolite on the production results of fattening lambs. The experiment involved two groups of lambs (the control - C and experimental - E groups), each consisting of 15 heads, for a period of 90 days. The meal was made from sheep milk, feed mixtures for fattening lambs and meadow hay. The test group lambs, unlike the ones from the control group, were given mixtures based on natural zeolite. Min-a-Zel S mixture (in the form of 25% composite) was fed to lambs from birth till their 14th day of life, directly into the mouth, once a day (before the morning feed), in the amount of 10 ml. Min-a-Zel Plus was given to them from their 15th day of life, together with the feed mixture (0.5%). Feeding was at will. The average weight of lambs at the end of the experiment, in accordance with the sequence of treatments (C:E) was 24.40:26.94 kg (P <0.01). Daily weight gain of lambs, during the experiment, was 229:256 g and in the experimental group it was by 27g or 11.79% higher (P <0.01). The test group lambs had a better utilization of dry matter, protein and energy, which justifies the use of products based on natural zeolite in fattening lambs.

scholarly journals Hemostasis in Infertile Patients Participating in Assisted Reproduction Programmes

Doctor Ru ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
A.O. Godzoeva ◽  
◽  
I.E. Zazerskaya ◽  
V.S. Vlasov ◽  
T.V. Vavilova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Hemostasis System ◽  
Fibrin Monomer ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Venous Thromboembolic Events ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Infertile Patients

Study Objective: To evaluate the impact of multifollicular ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programmes on hemostasis. Study Design: perspective comparative study. Materials and Methods. The study included 68 patients divided into two groups: study group (n = 36) — infertile patients; control group (n = 32) — healthy non-pregnant women of reproductive age. The protocol with gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonists was used for ovulation stimulation. Hemostasis system in study patients was evaluated in 2 weeks after embryos were transferred to uterus; in control group — on day 20–22 of menstrual period. For the study group, we evaluated clotting test parameters of hemostasis system, D-dimers (D-d) and fibrin monomer (FM). Study Results. We have not found statistically significant differences between hemostasis screening results of study groups. We have identified increase in pro-coagulatory properties of blood in the study group patients: increase in FM and D-d (р < 0.0001 in both cases). There is an association between study parameters and pregnancy (p < 0.001) and no association with obesity, age and infertility. Conclusion. In IVF programme, FM and D-d levels rise, evidencing hypercoagulation development. An increase in FM levels was even more significant and can be used as an early and specific fibrogenesis marker. Keywords: assisted reproductive technologies, fibrin monomer, D-dimer, hypercoagulation, venous thromboembolic events.

Abstract 225: A Depression Quality Program and Cardiovascular Disease: Assessing the Impact on Care

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Gordon ◽  
Amanda Malecky ◽  
Andrew Althouse ◽  
Nicole Ansani
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Surrogate Outcome ◽  
The Impact

Background: Data demonstrate an adverse association between depression and coronary artery disease prognosis. Therefore, a depression screening program was initiated in the catheterization (cath) lab. The goals were to improve HEDIS depression compliance rates and determine the impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: Adult patients in an inpatient cath lab from 3 cardiology practices were screened for enrollment in a randomized controlled trial. All cath lab patients received a PHQ-9 depression screener. Those who screened positive for depression (score ≥ 10) were randomized to intervention or usual care. The usual care group received a follow-up phone call to re-administer the PHQ-9 at 6-8 weeks and within 210 days of discharge. The intervention group was administered the PHQ-9 and received intensive education at baseline, 6-8 weeks, and within 210 days of discharge. Education included targeted depression information with a mental health care provider and comprehensive disease management education with a cardiovascular nurse practitioner. Outcomes included: differences in HEDIS depression goal attainment; depression response/remission rates; and cardiovascular goals. Differences between groups were tested using chi-squared tests (categorical variables) and t-tests (continuous variables). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between control (N=43) and intervention (N=40) groups, with the exception of significantly fewer African American patients in the control group (N=2, 4.7%) vs intervention (N=9, 22.5%). Changes in HEDIS goal attainment show that patients in the intervention group were slightly more likely to be referred to a provider to address depression (95.0% vs 86.0%, p=0.314), or receive meds for depression (65.0% vs 51.2%, p=0.219), but these differences are not statistically significant. More patients in the intervention group refused meds for depression compared to control (15.0% vs. 2.3%, p=0.041); have received blood work (65.0% vs 41.9%, p=0.030); and have received follow-up within 210 days (82.5% vs 46.5%, p<0.001). Treatment adjustment rate was higher in the intervention group compared to control (85.0% vs. 65.1%, p=0.037). Hospital readmission rate was similar between groups (p=0.896) and there was no difference in depression remission or response rates (p=0.426). Further, no differences were seen in cardiovascular surrogate outcome parameters, including cholesterol, A1c, CRP, or BNP between groups; except SGOT was significantly different between groups (-5.0 intervention vs 2.0 control p=0.045). Conclusions: These data demonstrate improvements in attaining a surrogate outcome measure of quality (HEDIS goals); however, this does not appear to translate to a significant clinical impact. Quality measures may need to be continuously reassessed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of care.

scholarly journals The impact of a self-management educational program coordinated through WhatsApp on diabetes control

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 1841
Author(s):  
Muaed Al Omar ◽  
Sanah Hasan ◽  
Subish Palaian ◽  
Shrouq Mahameed
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
The Social ◽  
Media Intervention ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Background: Social media can effectively mediate digital health interventions and thus, overcome barriers associated with face-to-face interaction. Objective: To assess the impact of patient-centered diabetes education program administered through WhatsApp on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, assess the correlation, if any, between health literacy and numeracy on intervention outcomes Methods: During an ‘intervention phase’ spread over six months, target diabetic patients (N=109) received structured education through WhatsApp as per the American Association of Diabetes Educators Self-Care Behaviors recommendations. The control group with an equal number of participants received ‘usual care’ provided by health professionals void of the social media intervention. Changes in HbA1c levels were recorded thrice (at baseline, 3 and 6 months) for the test group and twice (baseline and 6 months) for the control group. Change in HbA1c values were compared and statistical significance was defined at p<0.05. Baseline health literacy and diabetes numeracy were assessed for both groups (N=218) using the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes (LAD), and the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT), respectively, and values were correlated with HbA1c change p<0.05. Participants’ satisfaction with the intervention was also assessed. Results: The average age of respondents was 41.98 (SD 15.05) years, with a diabetes history of 10.2 (SD 8.5) years. At baseline, the average HbA1c in the control and test groups were 8.4 (SD 1.06) and 8.5 (SD 1.29), respectively. After six months, a significant drop in HbA1c value was noticed in intervention group (7.7; SD 1.35; p= 0.001); with no significance in the control group (8.4; SD 1.32; p=0.032, paired t-test). Moreover, the reduction in HbA1c was more in the test group (0.7%) than the control group (0.1%) with a difference of 0.6% which is considered clinically significant. There was no significant correlation between LAD score and HbA1c at baseline (r=-0.203, p=0.064), 3 months (r=-0.123, p=0.266) and 6 months (r=-0.106, p= 0.337) Pearson correlation. A similar result was observed with DNT, where DNT score and HbA1c at baseline, 3 months and 6 months showed no correlation (r=0.112, 0.959 and 0.886; respectively) with HbA1c levels. Eighty percent of the respondents found the social media intervention ‘beneficial’ and suggested it be used long term. Conclusions: Diabetes education via WhatsApp showed promising outcomes regardless of the level of patients’ health literacy or numeracy.

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