Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong EML (1), Leung DYP(2), Lam SC(1), Suen LKP(1), Tang ACY(1), Ko SY(3), Leung AYM(2)
Affiliation :
(1) School of Nursing, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong, China (2) School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (3) Accident and Emergency Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, China
Introduction :
Background: In 2020, coronary heart disease (CHD) accounted for 85% of global cardiovascular mortality. Numerous studies have shown that continuous self-care, healthy lifestyle modifications and physical exercise are essential for effectively reducing modifiable cardiovascular risks in patients with CHD. Traditionally, health talk related to lifestyle modification, supplemented by professional telephone support have proven to be effective methods for supporting ongoing care in the community. However, these approaches require substantial resources and manpower. With the rapid advancement of technology, mobile health (mHealth) via smartphones has been integrated into health promotion strategies for cardiovascular disease in recent decades. Nevertheless, comparisons of support for CHD patients through mobile applications and phone advice are still lacking.
Objectives :
This study aims to compare the effects of a mobile application versus nurse phone advice on the amount of exercise and both physical and psychological outcomes for clients at risk of CHD.
Methodology :
Chinese adults at risk of CHD who routinely use smartphones were invited to participate in this trial. A total of 168 clients were randomly assigned to either the app support group, which received CHD care, exercise records and support features, or the nurse phone advice group, which received a health leaflet and three monthly 20- minute telephone follow-ups. All participants received the same health talk before randomization. The primary outcome was total physical exercise, while secondary outcomes included self-efficacy in illness management, perceived stress, and CHD risk profile (body weight, waist circumference and triglyceride levels). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 1 and 3 months.
Result & Outcome :
The app group demonstrated significantly higher total physical exercise (p<0.001), and self-efficacy in illness management (p<0.001) over the study period among participants who received app support. Although no significant difference was found between groups regarding perceived stress (p>0.05), body weight (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001) and triglyceride levels (p=0.043) were significantly reduced. Additionally, most participants reported continued use of the mobile app, and no adverse events were reported during the study period.
