Effect of WhatsApp-based Self-care Education on the General Health of Adolescents With Thalassemia: A Quasi-experimental Study

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Background and Purpose: Thalassemia is one of the most common hereditary hemoglobinopathies worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, and self-care education is essential for these patients.This study aimed to investigate the effect of a structured, WhatsApp-based self-care education program, grounded in Orem's self-care model, on the general health of adolescents with thalassemia. Materials and Methods:This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test/post-test design with a control group.A total of 62 adolescents with thalassemia referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Ahwaz City, Iran, were assigned to intervention (n=31) and control (n=31) groups.The intervention group received a 4-session self-care education program (one face-to-face and three via WhatsApp) based on Orem's model.Data were collected using the Goldberg general health questionnaire and a demographic form.Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to control for baseline differences, including body mass index (BMI), and to assess the intervention's effect.Results: The two groups were homogeneous in most demographic variables (P>0.05),except for BMI.Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) results showed that after controlling for pre-intervention general health scores and BMI, the group effect on post-intervention general health was significant (F=634.19,P<0.0001, η²=0.918),indicating that the intervention explained > 91% of the variance in post-intervention general health.The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in general health (mean score decreased from 43.16 to 29.09, indicating better health), while the control group showed a significant worsening (mean score increased from 43.35 to 47).Improvements were observed across all subscales: somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and social dysfunction (all P<0.0001).Conclusion: A structured, WhatsApp-based self-care education program based on Orem's model significantly improved the general health and its dimensions (somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, social dysfunction) in adolescents with thalassemia.However, these findings are limited by the quasi-experimental design and the lack of long-term follow-up.This low-cost, accessible method is recommended for use by nurses in pediatric thalassemia units.

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