Exploring Hypertensive Patients' Experiences and Preferences with Online Health Education

Abstract

A large number of patients with hypertension use online health information to educate themselves about the condition. However, there is a lack of research on the experiences and preferences of patients, especially among Malay patients with hypertension, when using such websites. Given that Malays have the highest prevalence of hypertension in Malaysia, this study seeks to investigate their experiences and preferences for health education websites available on the Malaysian internet. The study specifically aims to understand how Malay hypertensive patients perceive the information and design of existing education websites on hypertension, and what web elements they prefer in order to make these websites more engaging and effective. The study adopted a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with 14 participants who were patients at the Primary Care Specialist Clinic in Selangor. These interviews, facilitated by a trained researcher, spanned 45 to 60 minutes per session. A semi-structured questionnaire, grounded in the Internet Intervention Model, underwent validation by subject matter experts. Subsequently, the interview transcripts underwent analysis, coding, and categorization through an inductive qualitative approach. The categories extrapolated from diverse datasets underwent consistent examination and were subsequently integrated into specific themes. Data triangulation was conducted through the involvement of two researchers from the same study in data analysis to affirm data validity. The study elucidated that patients’ encounters and preferences with the website were classified into three main themes: content quality, design, and appearance. Overall, patients expressed contentment with the existing websites, yet articulated a preference for enhanced practicality in content and greater user-friendliness in design and appearance. The website dedicated to hypertension presents significant potential for improvement. The information available on the website holds substantial promise for benefiting healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health professionals in the development of tailored interventions for individuals with hypertension, particularly in the context of a pandemic. Websites, as integral components of healthcare environments, can serve as dependable tools for disseminating pertinent health information, particularly concerning hypertension, to both patients and the general public.