Evaluating a WeChat-Based Health Behavioral Digital Intervention for Patients With Hypertension: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sun Ting , Zhao Huanhuan , Ding Zenghui , Xie Hui , Ma Linlin , Zhang Yu , Wang Yingying , Yang Yinju , Xu Chunyi , Sun Yining , Xu Xuejie , Ma Zuchang 
Published: August 2023

Background

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic condition and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The efficacy of health behavioral interventions in blood pressure (BP) control has been demonstrated by a large and expanding body of literature, with “adherence” playing a crucial role. WeChat is the most common social communication mobile app in China, and it has been shown to be an acceptable delivery platform for delivering health interventions. The WeChat-based health behavioral digital intervention program (WHBDIP) showed high feasibility and efficacy. However, the results regarding BP improvement between the WHBDIP and control groups were inconsistent.

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop a WHBDIP and assess its efficacy in controlling BP and improving adherence among patients with hypertension.

Methods

A 2-arm, parallel-group, and randomized trial design was used. Patients older than 60 years and with hypertension were randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group, which received a 12-week intervention. The program, primarily developed based on the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) theory, offers health education on exercise, diet, BP monitoring, and medicine adherence (MA). It also includes other behavior interventions guided by an intervention manual, incorporating behavior change techniques (BCTs). The primary outcomes encompass BP and adherence indicators, while the secondary outcomes encompass cardiovascular function indicators, body composition indicators, learning performance, satisfaction, and acceptability. The exercise and blood pressure monitoring adherence (BPMA) indicators for the WHBDIP group were assessed weekly via WeChat during the initial 3 months, while other outcome data for both groups will be collected at the baseline assessment phase, 3 months after the intervention, and 1 year after the program.

Results

The trial will assess the efficacy of WHBDIP for patients with hypertension (N=68). The WHBDIP seeks to enhance participants' knowledge of healthy behaviors and assist patients in developing positive health behaviors to improve their health outcomes. Patient recruitment for individuals with hypertension commenced on September 5, 2022, and concluded on September 19, 2022. The 3-month intervention and phased data collection were finalized in January 2023. Data analysis will commence in August 2023, and the final 1-year health outcome results will be collected in September 2023.

Conclusions

A successful WHBDIP will establish the management mode as a feasible approach for hypertension management in the community. Additionally, it will pave the way for the development of related mobile health programs.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062643; https://tinyurl.com/mwyv67wk

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/46883