Web-Based Dietary and Physical Activity Intervention Programs for Patients With Hypertension: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Hypertension is the root cause of many chronic diseases. Lifestyle changes (ie, dietary alterations and physical activity) are seen to be an important step in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Educating people through web-based interventional programs could offer an effective solution and help these patients with hypertension in the existing health care scenario. Objective In this study, the researchers conducted a scoping literature review of the web-based dietary changes and physical activity–related intervention programs designed for the patients with hypertension and identified the methodologies, effectiveness, protocols, and theories, which could affect and improve existing clinical activities. Methods This review followed the scoping review methodology to identify and process the peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2020. The literature searches were conducted on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. By using relevant search terms, studies were included if they offered information related to the web-based intervention tools, specifically dietary and physical activity intervention for patients with hypertension. Studies written or translated in English language and published within the date range (January 2010 to March 2020) were included. Results Overall, 1441 articles were initially identified. The reviewers included 35 articles after removing duplicates and screening titles. Only 21 articles were assessed for full review, and 15 were kept for analysis. The researchers selected 15 web-based intervention articles published on the topic of hypertension from 7 countries. A few of these 15 web-based tools (4, 27%) included more than 3 functions and provided a lot of important information (such as appointments, health records, or viewable care). Several tools were standalone tools (11, 73%), while most of the tools supported communication intervention–related lifestyle or behavioral changes (13, 87%) and medication adherence (6, 40%). It was found that physicians (9, 60%), allied health professionals (5, 33%), and nurses (5, 33%) were the health care providers who generally used these tools for communicating with their patients. More than half of the above tools (10, 67%) were assessed by different researchers in randomized controlled trials, while 5 tools (33%) were investigated in nonrandomized studies. Conclusions We identified many web-based intervention programs for patients with hypertension from the literature databases. The findings indicate that numerous benefits can be derived after using a web-based dietary and physical activity intervention program for hypertension focusing on lifestyle changes. However, developers need to consider the preferences of the patients with regard to the information or the design features while developing or modifying web-based educational websites. These tools could be used for designing a patient-tailored website intervention program that is based on diet and physical activities for patients with hypertension.

Lifestyle management of hypertension: International Society of Hypertension position paper endorsed by the World Hypertension League and European Society of Hypertension

“…The use of digital technologies for prevention and/or treatment of health conditions, termed digital health interventions, is an emerging and promising approach to support people with hypertension [ 326 , 327 ].…”

“…Introduce communication technologies to facilitate professional guidance and input or social support (digital spaces to communicate with healthcare providers or peers, SMS messaging) as a standalone digital intervention or integrated into a multicomponent intervention [ 326 ].…”

Development and validation of D-PATH website to improve hypertension management among hypertensive patients in Malaysia

“…A systemic review of the literature was conducted to identify the preferences and effectiveness of web elements for nutrition education intervention programmes, such as content delivery method, use of notification, and interactivity and was published elsewhere. 21 Additionally, several clinical guidelines were analysed to ensure the content was based on clinical evidence and up to date. Next, the content of the website was modified to suit the ethnicity of the targeted population in this study, which is Malay patients with hypertension aged 18 and above.…”

“… 20 A recent study found that most patients use online health information such as the Internet, social media or online courses, compared to the interpersonal approach. 21 The use of health information on the Internet could play an important role in effectively improving one's self-efficacy and self-management skills. For example, a previous study showed the potential use of online guided self-determination programs to improve diabetes self-management in young adults.…”

Effect of low-intensity exercise therapy combined with health education on quality of life and blood pressure in hypertensive patients

“…Exploring effective blood pressure detection and interventions for hypertensive patients can help to achieve hypertension better, and the literature [13] demonstrated the feasibility of an automated intervention based on textual information to increase physical activity in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The literature [14] suggests that many benefits can be gained from using a web-based diet and physical activity program to treat hypertension that focuses on lifestyle changes. The literature [15] considers Internet-based interventions as promising strategies to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.…”