The Effect of a Mobile Game Developed for Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever on Disease Management and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine the effect of training children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) using a mobile game (MG) or training booklet (TB) on self-efficacy, symptom management, and quality of life (HRQoL) compared with a control group. Materials and Methods: The sample of the randomized controlled experimental study consisted of children with FMF. Children in the experimental groups received training with TB ( n = 14) or MG ( n = 14). The control group ( n = 15) received no intervention and continued their routines. The Pediatric Rating of Chronic Illness Self-Efficacy Scale (PRCISE), and Juvenile Autoinflammatory Disease Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAIMAR) were used to collect data. Data were collected in pre-test, post-test-1, and post-test-2. Results: The MG group’s PRCISE ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001), HRQoL ( P = 0.001, P = 0.001), therapeutic compliance ( P = 0.002, P = 0.004), increased and the mean pain scores ( P = 0.044, P = 0.010), the number of symptoms decreased ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001) in both measurements after the intervention. The mean PRCISE score of the TB group increased only in post-test 1 ( P = 0.008), and the mean HRQoL total score did not change significantly in either post-test measurement ( P > 0.05). The TB group’s symptom management indicators were similar at all measurements ( P > 0.05). The control group’s PRCISE and HRQoL scores and symptom management indicators were similar at the three measurement times ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: The MG increased illness self-efficacy, symptom management and HRQoL in children with FMF and its effect lasted longer than the TB. It is recommended to use and disseminate technology-based and interactive education methods such as MG in the management of chronic diseases in children.