Female gender was associated with higher reported pharmacist involvement compared to male gender (24.2% vs. 19.9%; PR 1.22, P<0.001), with the lowest engagement seen in uncontrolled hypertensive patients.
Cross-Sectional (n=8,747)
Yes
Engagement with pharmacists and digital health tools is lowest among those who could benefit most, such as older adults, men, rural residents, and patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Effect estimate: PR 1.22
Absolute Event Rate: 24.2% vs 19.9%
p-value: p=<0.001
Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate public perceptions of pharmacist involvement and digital health use across demographic and hypertension groups. Design and method: A large cross-sectional survey was conducted as a part of the MMM 2023 campaign and the Hunting the Silent Killer program, organized by the Croatian Hypertension League and the Croatian Pharmacist Chamber. The survey included adults aged 18 and above from all 21 counties in Croatia. Comparisons were performed by gender, age (60 years), hypertension status (uncontrolled, controlled, non-treated, normotensive), and residence (urban vs. rural) using proportions and prevalence ratios (PRs). Of 10,089 individuals enrolled in Croatia's MMM 2023 campaign, this analysis includes 8,747 participants with three blood pressure readings each. Results: Of 8,747 participants (mean age 56.7 years, 63.3% women, 79.3% urban), physicians and media topped health info sources (33.2% and 32.1%, respectively), followed by pharmacists (22.6%). Women were more likely than men to report pharmacist involvement (24.2% vs. 19.9%; PR 1.22, p<0.001). Normotensive participants reported pharmacist participation more often than uncontrolled hypertensive participants (28.0% vs. 17.6%; PR 1.59, p<0.001). Younger participants were more likely to engage with pharmacists than older participants. Smartphone ownership was higher among women (70.5% vs. 66.4%; PR 1.06, p<0.001), urban residents, younger participants, and normotensive individuals compared with uncontrolled hypertensive participants (85.0% vs. 50.6%; PR 1.68). Willingness to use mobile health applications was moderate (39.2%) and higher among women (41.4% vs. 35.3%; PR 1.17, p<0.001), younger participants, and non-treated hypertensive individuals (36.7%), while lowest among uncontrolled hypertensive participants (24.3%) and older adults. Rural participants consistently showed lower smartphone ownership and lower willingness to use mobile applications than urban participants. Conclusions: Perceived benefits of pharmacist participation and mobile health applications vary substantially by age, gender, hypertension status, and residence. Older participants, men, villagers and patients with uncontrolled hypertension, those who could benefit most, showed the lowest engagement with pharmacists’ interventions and health apps. Targeted pharmacist-led and age-adapted digital strategies may help reduce these disparities and improve equitable access to preventive and self-management support. Physicians and pharmacists should take a more active role.
Lang et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=8,747). Female gender vs. Male gender was evaluated on Reported pharmacist involvement (PR 1.22, p=<0.001). Female gender was associated with higher reported pharmacist involvement compared to male gender (24.2% vs. 19.9%; PR 1.22, P<0.001), with the lowest engagement seen in uncontrolled hypertensive patients.