Assessing Telerehabilitation Readiness among Older Adults with Hypertension in Communities in Rizal and Laguna: A Cross-Sectional Analytic Study

Abstract

Aim: To determine acceptance of telerehabilitation, accessibility to technological resources, and technical literacy, and determine the relationship between mentioned variables among older adults with hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study collected data through an online survey using the Web-Based Patient-Reported Outcomes Capture System-Needs, Acceptance, and Readiness Assessments questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used through the assistance of partner communities from UST Simbahayan. Relationships between independent (socio-demographics and readiness) and dependent variables (acceptance) were analyzed through robust regression (p-value<0.0001) using STATA. Results: Most older adults (n = 174) were female and had secondary schooling. The overall acceptance of telerehabilitation was measured through a 4-point Likert scale (Mean = 3.42; Median = 3.57). In terms of readiness, the majority have computer access and internet access at home but have a frequency of use of less than a month. Younger age increased acceptance by 0.48%, while a college graduate increased acceptance by 13%. Living in Laguna and Rizal also increased acceptance by 13% and 26%, respectively. In contrast with past studies, this research revealed that frequency of ICT use and Internet access are not predictive of acceptance of telerehabilitation. Conclusion and Implications: Younger age, higher educational attainment, place of residence, and computer access at home were predictive of acceptance of telerehabilitation. The results suggest the need to include other quantitative aspects of telerehabilitation readiness. The findings of the study may aid in identifying the readiness of other communities in receiving telerehabilitation and addressing the barriers to implementing telerehabilitation.