WhatsApp-Based Education Program for Stroke Patients

Summary

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) being a major risk factor that doubles the risk of ischemic stroke. Glycemic dysregulation is observed in nearly two-thirds of patients after acute stroke and is associated with both the severity of the initial cerebrovascular event and the risk of recurrence. Effective glycemic control, patient education, and adherence to treatment are therefore critical for secondary stroke prevention and improved patient outcomes.

Mobile health technologies, particularly social media applications, have become increasingly important in supporting chronic disease management. WhatsApp-based education has been shown to improve self-efficacy, self-management, and diabetes knowledge in patients with T2DM. However, there is a limited number of studies investigating the effect of WhatsApp-supported education and counseling on stroke patients with T2DM, especially regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors, glycemic control, and disease-related knowledge.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of WhatsApp-supported education and counseling on healthy lifestyle behaviors, glycemic control, and knowledge levels among stroke patients receiving insulin therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The control group will receive routine face-to-face diabetes education and insulin injection training during hospitalization. The intervention group will receive the same routine education plus a structured WhatsApp-based diabetes education program over four weeks. Educational content will include videos, photos, and booklets focusing on diabetes definition and symptoms, complications, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia management, foot care, nutrition, exercise, oral antidiabetic and insulin therapy, and insulin injection demonstration. Participants' questions will be answered through WhatsApp messages, supporting continuous learning and adherence after discharge.

A total of 84 participants (42 per group) will be included, based on power analysis with a 5% significance level, 95% power, and accounting for a 10% dropout rate. Randomization will be conducted using block randomization with six combinations via an independent researcher through an online randomization tool. Data will be collected at baseline (T0) and six months after the intervention (T1). The primary outcomes include diabetes knowledge measured by the Revised Diabetes Knowledge Test-2, healthy lifestyle behaviors assessed using the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale, and glycemic control parameters (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR).

All assessments will be performed by a trained nurse in the stroke clinic. Data analysis will include descriptive statistics, parametric or non-parametric tests depending on distribution, and reliability analyses using Cronbach's alpha. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of SBÜ Gaziler Physical Training and Rehabilitation Research Hospital (Approval No: E-34215015).

This study is expected to demonstrate that WhatsApp-supported education and counseling improve patient knowledge, promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, and enhance glycemic control in stroke patients with T2DM. These findings may support the integration of digital counseling interventions into rehabilitation programs for secondary prevention and long-term disease management.

Conditions

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
• Stroke

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

WhatsApp-based education group

Participants in the intervention group will receive the same routine face-to-face diabetes education and insulin injection training as the control group, plus a structured WhatsApp-based educational program. The WhatsApp intervention will be delivered over four weeks and include booklets/brochures, photos, and videos on diabetes definition and symptoms, complications, recognition and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, foot care, nutrition, exercise, oral antidiabetic and insulin therapy, and insulin injection demonstration. Participants' questions will be answered through WhatsApp to provide interactive support.

BEHAVIORAL

Active Comparator: Routine Education

Participants in the control group will receive routine face-to-face diabetes education and insulin injection training provided during hospitalization. The education is delivered verbally to patients and their caregivers by the clinical staff. After the follow-up period and data collection are completed, participants in the control group will also be offered access to the WhatsApp-based educational materials used in the intervention group.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-10-15

Primary Completion

2026-08-15

Completion

2026-11-15