The effect of self-care education with smart phone applications on the severity of mucositis and infection after stem cell transplantation in leukemia patients

Abstract

Introduction: Side effects after stem cell transplantation are still widespread despite huge advances, and self-care education is of paramount importance in such patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of self-care education using smart phone applications on the post-SCT severity of mucositis and infection in leukemia patients. Materials and methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 104 SCT patients with leukemia who were assigned to two intervention and control groups with the blocked randomization method. In the control group, patients received routine care, and self-care education with smart phone applications, in addition to routine care, was provided to the intervention group. The questionnaires for transplantation side effects were completed by the control and intervention groups 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the start of the intervention. Data were analyzed with Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Friedman tests using SPSS version 25 software. Results: The severity of mucositis in patients was significantly different in the two groups at all three post-transplantation time points (2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months) (p-value = 0.000). Patients' infection levels in the two groups differed significantly at all three post-transplantation time points (2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months) (p-value = 0.000). Conclusion: The post-SCT severity of mucositis and infection is influenced by self-care education using smart phone applications. Clinical trial code: IRCT20100725004443N28