This protocol outlines a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating a WeChat-based hierarchical management mode for improving systolic blood pressure in 492 patients with hypertension.
RCT (n=492)
cluster
Yes
Does a WeChat-based hierarchical mHealth intervention reduce systolic blood pressure in smartphone users with hypertension or prehypertension?
This protocol outlines a cluster randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of a WeChat-based hierarchical management program for improving blood pressure and self-management in patients with hypertension or prehypertension.
Purpose: The prevalence of hypertension continues to increase worldwide, raising an urgent need for novel and efficient methods for controlling hypertension. As the Internet and smartphones become more popular, their multiple functions and large user base make mobile health (mHealth) technology a potential tool for hypertension management. We aim to evaluate the use of mHealth technology to improve blood pressure and self-management behavior in people with hypertension and prehypertension. Intervention: The mHealth intervention measures include health education, behavior promotion, group chatting and long-term blood pressure monitoring hierarchically delivered via WeChat application among 242 participants. The frequency, intensity and content of the hierarchical intervention are determined based on the cardiovascular risk stratification of the intervention subjects. Study design: This cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out in two subdistricts in Guangzhou, China, among 492 smartphone users with hypertension or prehypertension, from August 2018 to September 2019. The intervention group received hierarchical intervention through WeChat for six months, while the control group received usual care in the community healthcare center during this period. Indicators are measured at three time points for each group, and a telephone follow-up is planned for two years after the intervention. The primary outcome is systolic blood pressure; secondary outcomes include BMI, CPAT score, improvements in behavior and diet, score of self-efficacy and self-management. Feasibility is evaluated by intervention participation. The cost-effectiveness is evaluated by ICER. Conclusion: This study aims to evaluate the effect of the WeChat-based hierarchical management mode on improving blood pressure and self-management behavior in population with hypertension and prehypertension, based on health-related knowledge, self-efficacy and medication adherence. If successful, the management mode will serve as a feasible, economical and efficient hypertension management mode suitable for the community. Clinical trial identifier: ChiCTR1900023002 Keywords: chronic disease, mHealth, self-management, self-efficacy, China
Li et al. (Thu,) conducted a rct in hypertension or prehypertension (n=492). WeChat-based hierarchical management vs. usual care was evaluated on systolic blood pressure. This protocol outlines a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating a WeChat-based hierarchical management mode for improving systolic blood pressure in 492 patients with hypertension.