The impact of mHealth application on improving medication adherence and hypertension management: A systematic review of randomised trials

Abstract

Background: The mobile health (mHealth) application has been used for treating hypertension. However, its effectiveness in enhancing adherence and clinical outcomes in hypertensive patients remains limited.   Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of mHealth apps on medication adherence and reduced blood pressure among hypertensive patients.   Method: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials published in Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect from 2008 to 2022 was conducted. Bibliographies of eligible articles were further reviewed.    Result: A total of 289 articles were identified, and 24 articles were qualified for inclusion. The mHealth apps improved either medication adherence or reduced blood pressure in seven studies (29%). Eleven studies (46%) showed that it could both increase medication adherence and lower blood pressure significantly. Six studies (25%) reported no improvement in both outcomes. Conclusion: There is a piece of evidence that mHealth apps can improve medication adherence and accordingly reduce blood pressure.