[mSalUV: a new mobile messaging system for diabetes control in Mexico].

OBJECTIVE

Design and develop a mobile messaging system called mSalUV, which reminds patients with type 2 diabetes about taking their medication and attending appointments and promotes healthy lifestyles, and explore patient opinion regarding use of the system.

METHODS

The study had three stages: 1) design and development of mSalUV; 2) design and development of text messages; and 3) exploration of patient opinion regarding use of mSalUV.

RESULTS

The mSalUV system was created and around 40 text messages were designed. A total of 1 850 messages were sent during the 45 day intervention. Patients thought that mSalUV helped them to treat their disease and that it was easy to use, they were inclined to continue using the system in the future, and people close to them (family members and support networks) supported them using it. Furthermore, they perceived the system as "someone that cared about them."

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that a system such as mSalUV would be well accepted by its potential users; in this case, people with type 2 diabetes. This presents a very interesting scenario that will enable taking advantage of new technologies for health. Further research is needed to evaluate the system's efficiency and effectiveness.