Using animated health promotion videos to reduce smoking and anxiety in hypertensive patients: a quasi-experimental study

Smoking and anxiety are significant modifiable risk factors that contribute to the worsening of hypertension. Health promotion using engaging media such as animated videos has the potential to enhance patients' understanding and motivation to change risky behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of animated health promotion videos in reducing smoking behavior and anxiety levels among patients with hypertension. A quasi-experimental study was conducted from March to June 2024 at Ar-Rasyid General Hospital, Palembang. A total of 110 hypertensive patients who smoked were selected using purposive sampling and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received animated video-based health education sessions focusing on smoking cessation and anxiety management, delivered over four weeks. The control group received standard care. Smoking behavior was assessed using a structured smoking behavior questionnaire, while anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in both smoking behavior scores and anxiety levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean reduction in anxiety scores was greater in the intervention group, indicating the effectiveness of animated videos in promoting behavioral and psychological improvements. Animated health promotion videos are effective in reducing smoking and anxiety among hypertensive patients. This approach can be considered an innovative and accessible health education strategy to support hypertension management.