Effects of WeChat-based Educational Intervention on Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Abstract

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis(AS), as a common inflammatory rheumatic disease, often cause depression and impaired health-related quality of life(QoL). Although positive effects of patient education have been demonstrated, limited studies explored the benefits of education via mobile applications for AS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the WeChat-based educational intervention on depression and health-related QoL in AS patients.Methods: We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial from March to December 2017. Potential patients were recruited and randomized into the intervention group who received a 12-week WeChat-based educational intervention (consisting of four individual online educational sessions, online health information) or the control group receiving standard care. Data was collected at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. Outcomes were measured by Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item Health Survey, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score, visual analogue scales. Results: A total of 118 patients with AS were included and analysed. Measures at baseline were comparable between groups. After the intervention, the intervention group reported significant higher scores of all dimensions of QoL except for physical function and validity, compared with the control group. Additionally, patients in the intervention group had lower depressive symptom than the control group. No significant difference in other outcomes was observed at 12 weeks. Conclusions: This study found that the 12-week educational intervention via WeChat had positive effects on reducing depressive symptom and improving health related QoL in Chinese patients with AS. We suggest that this intervention can be integrated into current routine care of AS patients. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (registry number: ChiCTR-IPR-16009293). Registered September 29, 2016.