The impact of mobile application: "Friends of Heart" in knowledge and compliance of patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract

Background: The quality of life of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients can be improved by increasing patient compliance with treatment and health literacy rates. Over the past decade, mobile health (mHealth) has improved treatment adherence and demonstrated strong potential to increase health literacy rates. Objectives: Analyse the effect of “Friends of Heart” application on the compliance and knowledge of coronary heart disease patients. Methods: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. The test group (intervention group) used the Sahabat Jantung/ “Friends of Heart” application developed for the Android 4.1 operating system, while the control group did not. Compliance was measured for 30 days in outpatient settings; it included pill count and time deviations in taking medication. Knowledge was assessed using questionnaires. Results: Statistical results showed significant differences in knowledge and adherence between the intervention and the control group (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The use of the “Friends of Heart” application could improve compliance and knowledge of coronary heart disease patients.