JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In patients with gout, suboptimal management refers to a lack of disease knowledge, low treatment compliance, and inadequate control of serum uric acid levels. Several studies have shown that continuous care is recommended for disease management in patients with gout. However, there is still low efficiency and coverage of continuous gout care in China.

Objective:

this study aimed to explore the impact of mHealth-based continuous care on improving gout knowledge and treatment compliance and reducing serum uric acid levels.

Methods:

This study was a single-center, single-blind, and parallel-group randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up period. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received continuous care via a mHealth app, including the establishment of a health file, a 24-stage gout-related knowledge share, and interactive support. The control group received routine continuous care, including face-to-face health education, paper health education material consistent with the content of the intervention group, and telephone consultation initiated by the patient. Participants' gout knowledge levels and treatment compliance were measured at baseline and in the 12th and 24th weeks, and participants' serum uric acid levels were measured at baseline and in the 24th week. A generalized estimator equation model was used to test the effects of the intervention.

Results:

In total, 120 Chinese patients with gout enrolled in the study. Measurements at baseline were comparable between the groups. The intervention group exhibited a significant improvement in gout knowledge levels over time (P=0.015 and P<0.001 in the 12th and 24th weeks, respectively) and treatment compliance (P=0.509 and P=0.012 in the 12th and 24th weeks, respectively) compared with the control group. Serum uric acid levels decreased in both groups, but no significant intergroup differences were observed (P=0.532 in the 24th week). The intervention group had a larger difference in serum uric acid than the control group, but it was not statistically significant (P=0.549).

Conclusions:

Continuous care based on mHealth app improves knowledge level and treatment compliance among patients with gout. We suggest incorporating this intervention modality into standard continuous care for patients with gout. Clinical Trial: This study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (protocol number: ChiCTR2100042712).