A 2-Step Integrative Education Program and mHealth for Self-Management in Korean Children with Spina Bifida: Feasibility Study

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a 2-step self-management program, including onsite integrative education and a mobile health (mHealth) intervention, for children with spina bifida (SB).

DESIGN AND METHODS:

This feasibility study used a quasi-experimental single group pre-and post-test design. The onsite integrative education and the mHealth program, "Glowing Stars™," were developed and then tested for content validity by a panel of experts. The feasibility and user satisfaction were evaluated using factors such as school adjustment, self-management knowledge, self-efficacy, self-management behavior, and quality of life measurement by children aged 10 to 12 years with SB and their parents, from March 2018 to April 2018.

RESULTS:

A total of five children with SB completed this intervention. All children perceived that this program was usable and feasible to maintain self-management behavior. A statistically significant difference was observed in the children's self-management behavior domain between the first and second post-test (p = .043).

CONCLUSION:

This innovative 2-step self-management intervention program complements existing single interventions and confirms the possibility of mHealth technology as an intervention for children with SB.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:

In pediatric nursing, this innovative intervention could be adapted for children with chronic conditions, with a positive effect on self-management.