The Effect of the Mobile Application on Treatment Adherence, Self-Management, and Quality of Life in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Ensuring patient adherence to treatments and lifestyle recommendations after discharge is crucial for effective postacute myocardial infarction (AMI) management. This study aimed to determine the impact of a mobile health application (mHealth) on treatment adherence, self-management, and quality of life in patients with their first-time AMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The randomized controlled study was conducted with 61 patients. The control group received standard discharge education with the educational booklet. In addition to these practices, the intervention group received mHealth support. They were followed up for 6 months postdischarge. Data were collected at the first, third, and sixth months. The patient information form, questioning compliance with lifestyle change recommendations, the Medical Adherence Report Scale, and the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale were used in data collection. Compared to the control group, the patients in the intervention group had a better quality of life at all 3 follow-ups and better medication adherence at the sixth month. Also, it was determined that the patients in the intervention group had higher adherence with lifestyle recommendations regarding nutrition and physical exercise than in the control group (P<.05). mHealth increases their adherence with treatment, including medication and lifestyle change recommendations, in the long term. In addition to the education provided at discharge, using a mobile health application was found to effectively improve patients' adherence to treatment, including medication and lifestyle changes. Consequently, patients' quality of life improved during the 6-month follow-up period. Innovative approaches that support self-management, such as mHealth, are considered promising additions to AMI control.