The effect of a mobile application robot developed for Pediatric diabetes management on children's quality of life, diabetes self-management, and physiological parameters.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile application robot developed to support Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) management in children, by examining its impact on children's quality of life, diabetes self-management, and physiological parameters such as HbA1c and blood glucose levels.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

A pretest-posttest experimental design with control and intervention groups was used. The sample consisted of 60 children with T1DM, randomly assigned to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Data Form, Diabetes Self-Management Scale for Children and Parents, and the Quality of Life Scale in Children with Diabetes Mellitus. The intervention group received educational modules and personalized exercise videos via a mobile application robot. Data were analyzed using repeated measures MANOVA, one-way repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni-corrected paired t-tests.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics between groups (p > .05). Significant improvements were found in diabetes self-management scores in children over time and for the group*time interaction (p < .05). While quality of life scores improved significantly over time (p < .05), there was no significant difference between groups or in group*time interaction (p > .05). Parental self-management scores showed significant differences over time, between groups, and in group*time interaction (p < .05). The intervention group also demonstrated significantly lower mean HbA1c and blood glucose levels over time (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The mobile application robot positively influenced diabetes self-management and physiological parameters in children with T1DM. The intervention also enhanced parental involvement in diabetes management. These findings highlight the potential of mobile health technologies in pediatric diabetes care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The integration of mobile application robots into routine diabetes education may enhance both self-management behaviors and metabolic control in children with T1DM. Healthcare professionals, particularly pediatric nurses, should consider incorporating such technologies to support comprehensive diabetes care and family-centered interventions. *: refers to group time interaction.