Effectiveness of the BERSAMADIA mHealth App on Diabetes Self-Management Knowledge

Abstract

Diabetes presents an ongoing global health challenge, with self-management education being a cornerstone of effective care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the BERSAMADIA mobile app a culturally tailored, bilingual (Bahasa and English) digital intervention designed to improve diabetes self-management knowledge among Indonesian-speaking people. A total of 60 participants, including adults with type 2 diabetes and at-risk individuals, engaged with the app for one week. Using a pre-post intervention design, knowledge was assessed via a 15-item diabetes questionnaire. Results revealed a significant improvement in participants' knowledge scores (mean increase of 3.64 points, p < 0.001), with large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.46). The most notable gains were observed in medication literacy, glucose monitoring, and dietary management. The app's culturally adapted visuals, bilingual content, and interactive features contributed to high engagement and learning outcomes. The findings suggest that mHealth app-based interventions like BERSAMADIA can effectively address health literacy gaps and support diabetes education in diaspora and underserved communities. Future studies should explore long-term behavior change, clinical outcomes, and broader population impact.