Comparing gain- and loss-framed message texting (SMS) on foot self-care behaviors among women with type 2 diabetes

To compare gain- and loss-framed message texting (SMS) on foot self-care behaviors among women with type 2 diabetes referred to Ahwaz diabetic clinic.
This was a randomized trial of 189 women with type 2 diabetes who randomly assigned to three groups: two experimental groups and control group. Two experimental groups received gain- and loss-framed educational message of foot care behaviors via mobile phone short message service for 2 months while the control group received nothing. Data were collected through interviews using demographic and disease characteristics questionnaires and the summary of diabetes selfcare activities measure. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, one way analysis of variance, and chi-square.
At baseline there were no significant differences among study groups in disease characteristics, individual variables and the average score of foot care behaviors. After the intervention, a significant increase was observed in mean score of foot care in experimental groups (P=0.001). It was also found that the increase in loss-framed message group was significantly more than the gain-framed message group (P=0.01).
Designing and implementing educational programs based on mobile phone short message service could be effective. However, in comparison it seems that loss-framed message could be more effective than gain-framed message.