JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

People with hypertension (HTN) involved in telemonitoring of blood pressure (BP) often have better BP control than those in usual care.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess participant characteristics and technology health behaviors associated with remote BP monitoring (RBPM) participation. This study will help us understand the predictors of RBPM participation and consider how to increase it.

Methods:

This was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey study of people with HTN in the United States. The survey included demographics, technology health behaviors, and RBPM participation questions. The primary dependent variable was participation in RBPM.

Results:

In total, 507 people with HTN participated in the survey. About one-third of participants were aware of RBPM (32.5%) and 11.8% were currently enrolled in RBPM. The mean age of those engaging in RBPM was 46.2 years (SD 14.7) and non-RBPM was 62 years (SD 13.7). The most common reasons for not participating in RBPM were because their health provider did not ask the participant to participate (55.3%) and their lack of awareness of RBPM (42.5%). The significant predictors of participation in RBPM were RBPM awareness (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 36.98, 95%CI 12.30 – 157.75) and sharing health information electronically with a health provider (AOR 6.37, 95%CI 1.79 – 29.42).

Conclusions:

Participation in RBPM is likely to increase with increased awareness, health providers’ recommendations, and tailoring RBPM services to patients’ preferred electronic communication channels.