Digital health tools for hypertension self-management: evaluating user experience and effectiveness in referral hospital in Imo state

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The research aimed to pinpoint the user experiences, factors influencing adoption of digital health tools and the effectiveness of these tools in hypertension self-management. This study was conducted in a selected referral hospital in Imo State, Nigeria. METHODS: This is a descriptive study design conducted in hospital setting with three hundred and thirty five (335) persons serving as the respondents. Data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 software to evaluate socio-demographic characteristics, user experience, effectiveness of digital health tools, factors influencing adoption and success, and their relationship with socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: The study revealed diverse user demographics, with 105(31%) aged 35-44, 230 (69%) identifying as Christians, and 170 (51%) belonging to the Igbo ethnicity. Most respondents were married 180 (54%), had tertiary education 142 (42%), and self-employed 89 (27%). Despite high awareness 221 (66%) of digital health tools, challenges were noted, including dissatisfaction 74 (33%), very difficulty with the user interface 62 (28%), and accuracy issues 116 (52%). While 74 (33%) rated the tools to provide positive improvement, 63 (28%) reported worsening in blood pressure. Factors influencing adoption included ease of use 119 (54%), recommendations from health providers 144 (65%), cost considerations 148 (67%) and trust in digital health technology 132 (60%). Significant associations were found between socio- demographic characteristics and adoption factors such as age (χ² = 140.67, p < 0.001), religion (χ² = 34.95, p < 0.001), ethnicity (χ² = 77.1, p < 0.001), marital status (χ² = 46.19, p < 0.001), number of children (χ² = 165.09, p < 0.001), educational level (χ² = 99.73, p < 0.001) and level of income (χ² = 46.63, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study sheds light into the utilization of digital health tools for hypertension self- management. Addressing usability issues, engaging healthcare providers, improving affordability, leveraging local support networks, and conducting longitudinal research are recommended to optimize the effectiveness and adoption of digital health tools in hypertension management in the region. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on digital health interventions in resource-limited settings and inform future research and interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for hypertension in Nigeria and similar contexts.