Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of using a reminder-based mobile application on medication adherence in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. Materials and methods This randomized controlled trial followed CONSORT guidelines and included 63 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at a university and a state hospital. The intervention group ( n = 31) used a reminder mobile application for 8 weeks, while the control group ( n = 32) received standard care. Data were collected at weeks 1, 4, and 8 using a personal information form, follow-up form, and Morisky eight-item medication adherence scale. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t -test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U , and Friedman tests. Results At week 4, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher mean MMAS-8 scores compared to the control group (6.58 vs. 5.71, p = 0.016). Furthermore, at week 8, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups in terms of medication adherence levels based on MMAS-8 cutoff categories ( χ 2 = 9.6, p = 0.008). Discussion This study showed that a reminder-based mobile application effectively improved medication adherence in patients after total thyroidectomy. Increased adherence was observed in the intervention group, while a decline occurred in the control group. These findings indicate that reminder-based mobile health interventions may support medication adherence during the early postoperative period. Conclusion Reminder mobile applications can positively impact medication adherence. Integrating such tools into routine postoperative follow-up may support treatment continuity in patients receiving levothyroxine after total thyroidectomy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05503576, registration date 08 December 2022.
Kaya et al. (Mon,) studied this question.