Information Technology-Driven Education: Virtual Social Networks vs. Traditional Face-to-Face Approaches in Medication Adherence in Patients with Hypertension

Background: Ensuring that patients adhere to their medication is vital for effectively managing hypertension. Implementing educational interventions using social networks can be a practical approach to promote patient adherence.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to compare the impact of virtual social network-based education against traditional face-to-face education on medication adherence in individuals with hypertension .Method: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on ۲۱۰ patients with hypertension referred to the heart clinics affiliated to Zanjan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were allocated to three groups. Educational intervention was conducted in ۴ sessions and during ۴ weeks for virtual and face-to-face training groups. The data were collected using the demographic form and Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-۸) before, one and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version ۱۶) and Chi-square, ANOVA and Repeated Measures tests.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean medication adherence score among the three study groups before the intervention (F=۴.۱۸; p=۰.۰۱۷), one month (F=۶۸.۸۵; p=۰.۰۰۰۱), and three months (F=۶۴.۷۸; p=۰.۰۰۰۱) after the intervention. The mean medication adherence score in the virtual and face-to-face education groups was significantly higher than the control group at one and three months after the intervention (p=۰.۰۰۰۱); however, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two intervention groups (p=۰.۹۹۹).Implications for Practice: Educational strategies that social networks and face-to-face training can help individuals manage hypertension. Virtual education can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional approaches, but face-to-face education is also practical.

کلیدواژه ها:

Face-to-face education ، high blood pressure ، Medication Adherence ، online education ، Patient Education