Effects of Face-To-Face and Online Training on Self-Care of Middle-Aged and Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Self-care training is one of the strategies used to control diabetes. There is some ambiguity about the appropriate method for educating middle-aged and older adults about self-care. AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of face-to-face and online training on self-care levels in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomised clinical trial, 84 middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes who had been referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Esfarayen in Iran, were evaluated. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two groups. Diabetes self-care education (DSCE) was provided using a face-to-face training method in one group and using online training method in the other group. The summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) questionnaire was completed at baseline and 1 month after training. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of self-care scores before and 1 month after training were 43.16 ± 14.94 and 65.76 ± 10.65 in the face-to-face training group, and 37 ± 10.75 and 56.82 ± 12.06 in the online training group, respectively. The differences in the self-care scores were significant both before and after the intervention in the two groups (p < 0.05). Although the difference was greater in the face-to-face training group than in the online training group, it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both face-to-face and online training had a similar effect on the self-care levels in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, both training methods could be used as effective techniques to meet the needs and educational requirements of middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.