Comparison of the effects of mobile learning and traditional self-care education on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults: a three-arm randomized controlled trial

Aging is a complex and multidimensional process that significantly impacts the quality of life of older adults. A prevalent issue in later life, with extensive health consequences, is the experience of loneliness and social isolation. Evidence suggests an inverse relationship between these feelings and self-care abilities in the elderly population. Therefore, investigating and comparing different educational approaches to optimize self-care learning for older adults is essential. This study aimed to compare the effects of self-care education delivered via mobile learning versus a traditional learning method on loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults. This three-group, randomized clinical trial with pre-test and post-test assessments was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2024. A total of 111 eligible participants were selected and randomly assigned to one of three groups: mobile learning (n = 38), traditional learning (n = 38), or a control group (n = 35). The self-care education intervention was administered to the two intervention groups over one month. The Social Isolation Scale and a loneliness measure were completed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 12-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) with descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square test, analysis of variance, and post hoc tests). The significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. The results indicated that while loneliness scores improved over time within the groups, there was no significant difference between the traditional learning and mobile learning methods in reducing loneliness compared to the control group at baseline, immediately post-intervention, or at the 12-week follow-up (p > 0.05). Similarly, although changes in social isolation improved in both intervention groups relative to the control group, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The findings of this study revealed that neither the traditional nor the mobile learning method was superior to the other in reducing loneliness and social isolation among the participants. Consequently, the choice of educational approach can be based on cost-effectiveness, considering available resources, and the unique preferences, capabilities, and needs of the older adults. IRCT20221024056283N1. https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/66595.