Effect of Virtual Education and Follow-up on Health Literacy and Resilience in Family Caregivers of Pediatric Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: Family caregivers of pediatric hemodialysis patients face challenges that can reduce their health literacy and resilience. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual education and follow-up on these outcomes. Methods: Sixty caregivers were randomly assigned to intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The intervention group received routine education plus three weeks of virtual training and follow-up via Telegram, including multimedia content and online sessions. Controls received routine education only. Health literacy and resilience were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and one month later using validated instruments: Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data were analyzed with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Fifty-five participants completed the study after five exclusions. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in health literacy and resilience immediately post-intervention and at one-month follow-up compared to controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Virtual education combined with follow-up via a culturally adapted platform significantly enhances health literacy and resilience among family caregivers of pediatric hemodialysis patients. Trial registration: IRCT20240914063036N1. Registered on October 11, 2024.