Comparative efficacy of social media delivered health education on glycemic control: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes associated with patient education about glycemic control via group chat versus patient education as usual among individuals with diabetes in China. METHODS: We searched the following databases both in English and in Chinese languages: PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database, and CBM for articles published up to Jan 1, 2018. The studies were screened by two independent reviewers. Using criteria from the risk of bias assessment tool developed by Cochrane Collaboration to assess the risk of bias of eligible studies. A meta-analysis of studies was performed using comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.0. RESULTS: Twenty-five unique randomized clinical trials, including 2,838 patients, were identified. The education delivered via group chat had large overall pooled effect sizes in improving glucose control measured by hemoglobin A1c [Hedges’ g = −0.81, 95% CI: (−0.98, −0.64)], fasting blood glucose [Hedges’ g = −1.11, 95% CI: (−1.37, −0.85)], and 2 h postprandial blood glucose [Hedges’ g = −0.98, 95% CI: (−1.20, −0.76)]. Additionally, patient education delivered via group chat has shown consistently superior outcomes in glucose control in short-term (0–3 months), mid-term (3–6 months) and longer-term (6–12 months). CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions via group chat had a superior outcome in blood glucose control compared to education as usual in China. Educational interventions via group chat had superior short-term, mid-term, and longer-term outcomes in blood glucose control compared to education as usual in China.