"The app is my sparring partner": A qualitative study with mHealth users in hypertension care (Preprint)

Abstract

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting over a billion people worldwide. mHealth apps have emerged as effective tools for managing hypertension, offering capabilities for monitoring blood pressure, fostering lifestyle changes, and improving treatment adherence.

This study aimed to explore users´ perspectives on the hypertension care mHealth app, focusing on its accessibility, expected benefits, potential risks, and role in hypertension management in Germany.

A qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 20 users of a hypertension care mHealth app, Hypertension.APP. Participants were recruited between January and June 2023 using purposive sampling. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Participants primarily discovered the app independently, driven by recent hypertension diagnoses and insufficient information from healthcare professionals (HCPs). They valued the app for its continuous monitoring and feedback capabilities, aiding in understanding their condition and making lifestyle adjustments. The risks were perceived as minimal, mainly concerning data privacy and potential excess dependency on the app. The app had become integral to users' hypertension management by offering consistent information and support. However, integration into formal healthcare settings was limited, with users sensing a lack of acceptance or even intimidation from HCPs towards the technology.

mHealth apps, such as Hypertension.APP, are highly valued by users for their continuous monitoring and educational content. However, for the sustainable and widespread implementation of apps in formal healthcare, greater acceptance and use of HCPs are crucial. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of mHealth apps for effective hypertension management in patients, while also emphasizing the critical need for their improved integration into routine healthcare practices.

https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00029761, identifier DRKS00029761