Background of the Study
Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a major global health concern and one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure. In Nigeria, the prevalence of hypertension is rising, with Akwa Ibom State being no exception (Udoh et al., 2023). Managing hypertension requires continuous monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, medication adherence, and regular medical follow-ups. In recent years, mobile health (mHealth) apps have emerged as a tool to assist patients in managing chronic conditions such as hypertension. These apps provide functionalities such as monitoring blood pressure, reminding patients to take medications, offering dietary advice, and tracking physical activity (Etebu et al., 2023).
In Akwa Ibom State, nurses are integral to the management of hypertensive patients, helping them with medication adherence, lifestyle counseling, and regular monitoring. Mobile health apps present an opportunity to enhance the care nurses provide by offering patients an easy-to-use platform for self-management and tracking their health status between visits (Ekong et al., 2024). However, the effectiveness of these apps in supporting hypertensive patients under nursing care in Akwa Ibom State has not been extensively studied. This research aims to evaluate the role and effectiveness of mobile health apps in supporting hypertensive patients' management and improving patient outcomes in the context of nursing care.
Statement of the Problem
Although mobile health apps have shown promise in managing chronic conditions globally, there is limited research on their effectiveness in the Nigerian context, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. It remains unclear how these apps can complement the care that nurses provide to hypertensive patients and whether they contribute to better outcomes such as improved blood pressure control, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes. Given the increasing adoption of digital health tools, this study is crucial in understanding how mobile health apps can be integrated into the care of hypertensive patients in nursing practice.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the effectiveness of mobile health apps in supporting hypertensive patients under nursing care in Akwa Ibom State.
2. To evaluate the impact of mobile health apps on medication adherence and lifestyle changes among hypertensive patients.
3. To identify the challenges faced by nurses in integrating mobile health apps into hypertension care.
Research Questions
1. How effective are mobile health apps in supporting hypertensive patients under nursing care in Akwa Ibom State?
2. What impact do mobile health apps have on medication adherence and lifestyle changes in hypertensive patients?
3. What challenges do nurses face in using mobile health apps to support hypertensive patients?
Research Hypotheses
1. Mobile health apps do not significantly improve medication adherence or lifestyle changes in hypertensive patients under nursing care in Akwa Ibom State.
2. There is no significant relationship between mobile health app usage and the improvement of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients.
3. The use of mobile health apps does not significantly enhance the quality of care provided by nurses to hypertensive patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on hypertensive patients receiving nursing care in Akwa Ibom State and evaluate the role of mobile health apps in supporting their condition management. Limitations include potential challenges related to patient access to smartphones, digital literacy, and the availability of mobile health apps in local languages. The study will also rely on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.
Definitions of Terms
• Mobile Health Apps (mHealth Apps): Digital applications designed for use on smartphones or tablets that provide healthcare-related services such as monitoring, reminders, and educational resources.
• Hypertensive Patients: Individuals diagnosed with hypertension, a condition where blood pressure levels remain consistently high, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Medication Adherence: The extent to which patients follow prescribed medication regimens, including taking the correct dose at the correct times.
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