Online Health Education Research Articles

Exploring Hypertensive Patients' Experiences and Preferences with Online Health Education

There is a lack of research on patients' experiences and preferences when using such websites among patients with hypertension. This study aimed to explore their experiences and preferences for health education websites. The study employed a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews with 14 participants in Selangor. Patients' experience and preferences of the website were categorised into two main themes, 1) quality of the content, and 2) design and appearance. Patients preferred that the website’s content to be more practical and the design to be more user-friendly. In conclusion, website must be designed tailored to the needs of the target group.

Peer effects of health behaviors and the moderating role of Internet use among middle-aged and older adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in China.

This study investigates peer effects on the health behaviors of middle-aged and older adult people in China and examines the moderating role of Internet use. A total of 16,188 respondents were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2020 data set. Ordinary Least Squares and Quantile Regression were used to validate the peer effect of health behaviors on middle-aged and older adults, and a moderating effects model was used to test the moderating roles of Internet use and Internet proficiency. Finally, the peer effect was analyzed for heterogeneity according to Internet use preferences. The peer effect had a positive influence on the individual health behaviors of middle-aged and older adult people in China (β = 0.5341, p < 0.001). Middle-aged and older adult people were more sensitive to the average health behavior level of the community when they lived in rural communities and/or had a low level of education. Internet use positively moderated the health behavior peer effect in the older adult population (β = 0.0094, p < 0.1), and Internet proficiency negatively moderated the peer effect of the health behaviors of the middle-aged population (β = 0.1589, p < 0.1). According to the magnitude of the influence of peer effect, the Internet preference type can be ranked from social and entertainment (β = 0.6250, p < 0.01), to cultural and entertainment (β = 0.5835, p < 0.01), to comprehensive (β = 0.4622, p < 0.01). There is a peer effect on the health behaviors of middle-aged and old-aged individuals, in which Internet use plays a moderating role. The construction of healthy communities should be promoted, giving full play to the community's active role in health promotion. Attention should be paid to the health-enabling function of the Internet, encouraging middle-aged and older adult people to use the Internet actively, moderately, and diversely, and making full use of the advantages of short videos for online health education.

Clicks and checks: investigating the association between internet usage frequency and women’s uptake of clinical breast examination in Ghana

BackgroundIn resource-constrained settings, availability and access to mammography is a challenge. As such, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends clinical breast examination (CBE) for women in such settings. Yet, CBE uptake remains low. We, therefore, aimed to contribute to the discourse on factors that influence women’s screening practice by investigating the association between the frequency of internet use and women’s uptake of CBE in Ghana.MethodsThis study was based on data from 15,013 women who participated in the 2022 Ghana demographic and health survey. We performed descriptive analysis, computed Pearson’s chi-square test, and fitted multivariable logistic regression models. The findings from the regression model were presented in adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsOnly 18.39% of women 15–49 years had their breasts examined by a healthcare provider. About 38.22% of the total sample often used the internet. Compared to women who did not use the internet at all, those who often used it had twice the odds of getting screened (COR = 2.86; 95%CI: 2.62–3.13). The odds of CBE uptake remained significantly higher among those who often used the internet (AOR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.12–1.43) even after adjusting for the covariates.ConclusionWe conclude that CBE uptake is significantly high among women who frequently use the internet. This association persists even when considering other influential factors such as age, education level, marital status, and socioeconomic status. As such, it is imperative for the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service to recognize the potential of digital health interventions, including online health education campaigns and telehealth services, in reaching and engaging women to get their breast examined by a healthcare provider.

Developing a COVID-19 health risk behaviour assessment web application and online health education to promote a healthy university

Developing a COVID-19 health risk behaviour assessment web application and online health education to promote a healthy university

YouTube Video Clips on Breastfeeding Education and Promotion for Arabic-Speaking Populations: A Social Media Content Analysis.

Background/Objective: Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented and widely recognized, reports indicate that optimal breastfeeding rates are low in Arabic-speaking countries. This is a significant concern given the health benefits associated with breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. Previous research has shown that education interventions can increase breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Arabic-speaking populations. The social media platform YouTube holds significant potential for distributing customized health education for diverse audiences; specifically, this platform has the potential to empower mothers and normalize long-term breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of YouTube videos on breastfeeding available in the Arabic language. Methods: We used standard procedures to search YouTube for Arabic breastfeeding videos posted on YouTube in December 2023. Videos were evaluated using the three scales of the DISCERN quality evaluation instrument (reliability, information quality, video quality) and total score. Comparative statistics were generated. Results: In total, 165 videos met the inclusion criteria, with 29.7% in the Education category; 43.6% were in Egyptian Arabic dialect. Almost all (91.75%) of the educational videos had a "medium" quality assessment. Educational videos and those using health professionals had higher quality assessments than those in other categories or done with other speakers. Conclusion: The results of this review suggest that most content on the topic of breastfeeding was of only medium reliability and informational quality. New mothers seeking breastfeeding information or support may be in need of specific problem-solving information at a time when they are living with the often-difficulty reality of caring for a newborn or very young infant. There is a clear need for accurate, culturally congruent information to effectively support breastfeeding in Arabic-speaking countries. Future efforts should focus on improving the quality of online health education content, with implications for public health strategies and policy development.

Effectiveness of onsite and online education in enhancing knowledge and use of human immunodeficiency virus pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Enhancing awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is vital to curb human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread. High-risk behaviors prevalent among sexually transmitted infection clinic outpatients underscore the need for increased PrEP/PEP education in this group. To investigate the effects of both onsite and online health education on the knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP and PEP among individuals receiving PEP services. Participants were drawn from a cohort study on PEP service intervention at an STD/AIDS outpatient clinic in designated HIV/AIDS hospitals in Beijing, conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2022. Health education was provided both onsite and online during follow-up. Surveys assessing knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP/PEP were administered at baseline and again at 24 wk post-intervention. A total of 112 participants were enrolled in the study; 105 completed the follow-up at week 24. The percentage of participants with adequate knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP significantly increased from 65.2% and 69.6% at baseline to 83.8% and 82.9% at the end of the intervention (both P < 0.05). Similarly, those with adequate knowledge of, and willingness to use, PEP increased from 74.1% and 77.7% at baseline to 92.4% and 89.5% at week 24 (P < 0.05). Being between 31 years and 40 years of age, having a postgraduate degree or higher, and reporting a monthly expenditure of RMB 5000 or more were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of PrEP and PEP (both P < 0.05). The findings show that both onsite and online health education significantly improved the knowledge of, and increased willingness to use, PrEP and PEP in individuals utilizing PEP services.

Development of a School-Based Online Periodontal Education Programme for Adolescents

Introduction and aimsThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a developed school-based online health education programme with a periodontal examination results sheet for high school students on their subjective oral symptoms, knowledge and attitudes regarding oral health, and oral health behaviours. MethodsThe participants were first- and second-year students aged 15 to 17 years (n = 847) at a high school in Japan. The students underwent a periodontal examination and were divided into periodontal condition (PC) and nonperiodontal condition (non-PC) groups. The students participated in the online oral health education programme, which included a periodontal examination results sheet after the examination. The data for identifying the effect of the programme were collected via questionnaire surveys at the periodontal examination (baseline), after 3 months, and after 1 year, and they were compared between baseline and 3 months later and between baseline and 1 year later by the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associations between the measured variables related to oral health at 3 months or 1 year and the presence/absence of periodontal conditions after adjustment for sex and variables at baseline. ResultsA total of 628 students (74.1%) participated in this study. The percentages of individuals with knowledge of how many teeth they had, knowledge of periodontal disease, and experience with toothbrushing instruction increased significantly after 1 year in both groups (p < .05). The awareness of gingival swelling and bleeding and the use of fluoride toothpaste at 3 months were positively associated with the presence of periodontal conditions. ConclusionsThis study showed that an online oral health education programme contributed to improving oral health knowledge and behaviours among high school students and that the awareness of periodontal conditions according to the periodontal examination results sheet might improve the awareness of gingival swelling and bleeding at 3 months.

Sociodemographic characteristics associated with reading online health education materials among patients with cancer.

Sociodemographic characteristics associated with reading online health education materials among patients with cancer.

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in China's Era of Online Health Education.

The rapid growth of internet users in China presents opportunities for advancing the "Healthy China 2030" initiative through online health education. Platforms like "Shanghai Health Cloud" and "National Health Information Platform" improve health literacy and management, enhancing overall public health. However, challenges such as the digital divide and the spread of unverified health information hinder progress. Addressing these issues requires enhancing digital infrastructure, employing advanced technologies for information validation, and setting high standards for online health services. Integrated efforts from various sectors are essential to maximize the benefits of online health education in China.

Neurocognitive Effects of an Online Brain Health Program and Weekly Telehealth Support Group in Older Adults with Subjective Memory Loss: A Pilot Study.

Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors has the potential to slow cognitive decline in older adults by reducing risks associated with dementia. Curriculum-based group health coaching may aid in establishing behavior change centered for dementia risk factors. In this pilot clinical care patient group study (n = 6), we examined the effects of a six-month online Cognitive Health Program combined with a weekly telehealth support group led by the course creator, and personalized health optimization by a collaborating physician, in older adults with subjective cognitive decline. Cognition was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using a computerized battery. Cognitive changes were estimated with nonparametric tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d). Results showed significant improvements in global cognition (p < 0.03, d = 1.6), spatial planning (p < 0.01, d = 2.3), and visuospatial processing (p < 0.05, d = 1.1) compared to baseline. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the virtual group format and online curriculum. This small pilot study suggests that a virtual six-month personalized health coaching group with self-paced online health education is feasible and potentially efficacious for improving cognition in participants with subjective cognitive complaints. This format may facilitate behavior change to slow cognitive decline. Future studies should include a control group, a larger, more diverse sample as well as assessing mood and other subjective measures.

RISE OF E-SPORTS AND GAMING: BALANCING SCREEN TIME WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The brief overview highlighted the evolving realm of e-sports and gaming, emphasizing the ascent of competitive play, its effect on health and wellbeing, and the necessity to adapt public strategies to the digital arena. It examined the growth of e-sports, the issues linked to extended screen time, and the value of promoting physical exercise among gamers. The summary underscored movements and predictions in e-sports, such as continuing expansion, mainstream acceptance, diversification of titles, mobile gaming prominence, increased professionalism, integration of emerging technologies, and regional spread. Furthermore, it explored ways to adapt public health initiatives to the digital space, like digital health promotion, online psychological help, digital literacy and health education, epidemiological monitoring, and policy and regulation. The abstract underscored the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity and cultivating a culture of health and wellness in the e-sports community amid technological advancements and evolving trends.

Innovating Online Otolaryngology: The Development of the ENT Content Engagement and Quality Index for Audiovisual Material.

Introduction The advent of social media platforms, notably TikTok, has significantly transformed the landscape of health information dissemination, offering both opportunities and challenges for public health communication. This study focuses on TikTok's influence on sinus health information, addressing the dual challenge of widespread engagement and the risk of misinformation in otolaryngology, or ENT (ear-nose-throat), information online. We introduce the ENT Content Engagement and Quality Index (ENT-CEQI), a pioneering tool designed to assess the quality and engagement of ENT-related content on TikTok, aiming to improve public understanding of sinus health. Materials and methods Our methodology involved a systematic analysis of sinus health-related content on TikTok. We collected data on the top 100 most popular videos using the hashtag #sinus at two different points in time, analyzing engagement metrics and content quality. The ENT-CEQI was developed to evaluate content, incorporating both quantitative engagement metrics (views, likes, comments, shares, favorites) and qualitative assessments (accuracy, clarity, relevance, practicality, engagement). The study employed statistical analyses, including trend analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), KMeans clustering, regression analysis, and the Kruskal-Wallis test, to understand the dynamics of content engagement and quality. Results Initial findings revealed significant disparities in engagement metrics and quality scores among different content creator categories, with physician-generated content showing the highest engagement and quality. The trend analysis indicated shifts in content popularity and quality over time, with a notable increase in views and likes for private company content. The PCA and clustering analyses identified distinct content clusters, offering insights into viewer engagement patterns. Regression analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis test, however, did not find significant predictors (p-value: 0.3916) of content quality or differences in likes across content types, suggesting complex factors influencing content engagement and quality perception. Discussion The study highlights TikTok's potential and pitfalls in disseminating sinus health information. The introduction of the ENT-CEQI represents a major step toward enhancing the evaluation of health content on social media, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, clarity, and relevance in public health communication. The analysis underscores the complexity of social media engagement and the need for robust tools to assess content quality. It also points to the critical role of healthcare professionals in engaging with the public through social media to combat misinformation. Conclusions TikTok serves as a potent platform for sinus health education, capable of reaching wide and diverse audiences. The ENT-CEQI emerges as a vital tool for assessing the quality and engagement of ENT-related content, guiding content creators toward producing more reliable and informative content. This study contributes to the understanding of social media's role in health communication, advocating for the strategic use of innovative tools such as the ENT-CEQI to enhance public health outcomes through improved online health education and misinformation management.

Protocol of a 12-week eHealth programme designed to reduce concerns about falling in community-living older people: Own Your Balance randomised controlled trial

IntroductionConcerns about falling (CaF) are common in older people and have been associated with avoidance of activities of daily life. Exercise designed to prevent falls can reduce CaF, but the...

Effectiveness of Online vs. In-Person Periodontal Health Workshops for Public Awareness

ABSTRACT Background: Periodontal health is a critical aspect of overall oral health, yet public awareness and education on this topic remain limited. With the increasing prevalence of online health education platforms, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of online periodontal health workshops compared with traditional in-person workshops on improving public awareness Materials and Methods: Study Design: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the impact of online and in-person periodontal health workshops on public awareness. Participants (N = 500) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the online workshop group or the in-person workshop group. Online Workshop: Participants in this group accessed an interactive online periodontal health workshop, consisting of video presentations, animations, and quizzes. The workshop covered topics, such as gum disease prevention, oral hygiene, and the importance of regular dental checkups. In-Person Workshop: Participants in this group attended a traditional in-person periodontal health workshop conducted by dental professionals. The content and duration of this workshop mirrored the online version. Pre- and Postworkshop Assessments: Both groups completed pre-workshop and postworkshop assessments, including a knowledge questionnaire and a self-assessment of oral health habits. Arbitrary scores were assigned to quantify knowledge gain (0–100%). Results: Participants in the online workshop group showed a mean knowledge gain of 30% (standard deviation (SD) = 5.2), while those in the in-person workshop group exhibited a mean knowledge gain of 35% (SD = 4.7). The self-assessment of oral health habits indicated an improvement in both groups, with 60% of participants reporting better oral hygiene practices Conclusion: Both online and in-person periodontal health workshops demonstrated effectiveness in improving public awareness and promoting better oral health habits. Combining both modalities could be an effective strategy for comprehensive public education on periodontal health.

Exploring the urgent need for an online reproductive health education program for infertile couples: A qualitative study.

With the escalating utilization of online health education programs and the growing prevalence of infertility, there is an urgent requirement for a comprehensive and effective online platform that caters to the unique needs of couples facing infertility. This study aims to investigate and understand the needs and potential benefits of implementing an online reproductive health education program for infertile couples. This research was a qualitative study conducted in Shahroud City, Iran from May 2022 to June 2022. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with infertile people and key informants. Sampling method used in this study was purpose-based with maximum variety. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim in Persian and analyzed using conventional content analysis approach. MAXQDA software version 12 was used to facilitate data analysis. From the data analysis, 2 themes, 3 main categories, and 16 subcategories emerged. The themes included "Reproductive Health Education Needs" and "Preferences for Internet-based Reproductive Health Education and Support." The first theme consisted 2 categories Reproductive health literacy and Emotional and Psychological Support. The second theme included one category: Technical and Logistical Considerations. The data analysis of this study has revealed significant insights into the needs and preferences of infertile couples regarding Internet-based reproductive health education and support. These findings provide valuable guidance for the development and implementation of Internet-based reproductive health education programs tailored to the specific needs of infertile couples.

A Transtheoretical Model-Based Online Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence for Chinese Adults Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes: A Mixed-Method Study.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in China, with medication non-adherence being a significant contributor to uncontrolled T2DM. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has shown effectiveness in chronic disease management, but few studies have applied it in online interventions for T2DM medication adherence. The study aimed to develop and investigate the effects of a TTM-based online health education program on promoting positive stage of change (SOC) movement, improving self-efficacy and medication adherence, as well as reducing HbA1c levels in newly diagnosed patients with T2DM. This sequential mixed-method study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024. Using the TTM framework, the study initially explored 32 participants' experiences with hypoglycemic medications, health information acquisition, and perspectives on online programs. Then, a quasi-experimental study design was conducted. Two communities were randomly assigned as the intervention (n = 91) and comparison (n = 98) groups, with 189 newly diagnosed middle-aged T2DM patients from various SOC. The intervention group received short videos health education and participated in WeChat group discussions, compared with usual care in the comparison group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. The intervention group was more likely to achieve positive SOC movement (P < .001, Adj OR = 13.69 95% CI = 6.76-27.71) compared to the comparison group. The intervention group also had significantly higher mean CDMSS-11 and MMAS-8 scores at 6 months (P = .03 and <.001, respectively) and more likely to achieve clinically significant glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) change at 3 months (P < .001, Adj OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.77-8.63) and at 6 months (P < .001, Adj OR = 5.62, 95% CI = 2.70-11.69) compared to the comparison group. These findings support that applying the TTM to develop an online program could promote behavior change, improve self-efficacy and medication adherence, and could lead to better glycemic control in newly diagnosed T2DM patients.

Analisis Metode Pendidikan Kesehatan Berbasis Online dalam Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Sikap Pencegahan Narkoba pada Anak Usia Remaja

The results of a survey by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in 2018 stated that the prevalence of drug abuse in students reached 4.7 percent of the total number of students in Indonesia or around 921,695 people. This requires serious attention from health practitioners and education to make prevention efforts. The programs that are being promoted include, among others, effective online health education, through cellphones, whatsapp groups and other online facilities. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of online-based health education on the level of knowledge and attitudes of adolescents in drug prevention. This study is a quantitative study with a quasi-experimental design using a pre-posttest design without a control group. The research sample was 30 respondents from SMPN 2 Sumberlawang, which was held in July-September 2020. Data collection was by giving a questionnaire via an online g-form. The data were tested using the Wilcoxon test. Results: there was a significant effect (p-value = 0.000 &lt; 0.005) of providing health education interventions through whatsapp groups using voice notes and videos about drug prevention on the level of knowledge and attitudes of SMPN 2 Sumberlawang students.

The effects of health education and exercise style changes on the maturation of autologous arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Upper limb exercise has long been considered to be the main means to promote autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation, but in practice exercise intensity and compliance are both typically lacking. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the good effects of functional resistance or pressure exercise in patients with AVF. However, many patients' have difficulty complying with upper limb exercise programs without systematic health education. Therefore, we argue that resistance and pressure exercise supported by health education is actually the most beneficial for AVF patients. We randomly divided 114 patients into a control group and an experimental group of 57 patients each. In the control group, conventional care was used, and in the experimental group, online health education based on the IMB (Information-Motivation-Behavior skills) model and functional resistance and pressure upper limb exercises was implemented with the AVF side arm. The failure rate of AVF maturation, clinical maturation time, cephalic venous blood flow, vessel diameter, and vessel skin thickness were compared between the two groups. Fifty-five cases were included for each in the final study. The primary outcome of this study was the failure rate of AVF maturation. Secondary outcomes included clinical maturation time, cephalic vein flow, vessel diameter, and vessel thickness. The failure rate of AVF maturation in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the clinical maturation time in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group. For the remaining three indicators, there were between-group effects, time effects, and interaction effects in both groups. Comparison between groups showed that there was no statistical difference in the observed indicators of cephalic vein flow, vessel diameter, or vessel thickness between the two groups before the intervention but that there was a statistical difference at the end of the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of the intervention. A 2 × 2 comparison also showed that there was a statistical difference between the three indicators at each time point within the two groups. IMB model-based online health education combined with functional resistance and pressure exercises can improve AVF maturation status and accelerate AVF maturation within 12 weeks of surgery.

The Black Men's Health Forum: Improving Health Knowledge and Willingness to Participate in Research.

The Black Men's Health Forum, a 6-week online health education intervention for African American men and accountability partners of African American men, was conducted to increase awareness of health issues that disproportionately affect African American men. In this article, we describe the intervention and report on the immediate benefits of the intervention, including changes in health knowledge and perception of research participation. Participants completed a pre-evaluation prior to participating in the forum and a post-evaluation after each session to capture data on sociodemographic information, medical history, health knowledge, and health behaviors. A total of 60 participants (30 African American men and 30 accountability partners) completed the forum. African American men had a mean age of 61.1 years while accountability partners had a mean age of 57.6 years. Overall health knowledge increased by 6.9 points for African American men and 2.8 points for accountability partners. Before the forum began, nine African American men reported ever participating in a research study. The proportion of African American men who reported that they would definitely participate in research in the next 12 months after participating in the forum increased by 40%. Through culturally tailored programming, the Black Men's Health Forum increased access to health information as well as African American male medical professionals and health researchers for African American men in the community. Exposure to health information resulted in significant increases in health knowledge and willingness to participate in health research among African American men.

The effect of a theory-based health education program on physical activity and blood pressure in middle-aged women with pre-hypertension: A cluster randomized trial

ABSTRACT The purpose of this interventional experimental study was to determine the effect of health education program on physical activity and blood pressure in middle-aged women with pre-hypertension in Kohdasht. Eighty middle-aged women with pre-hypertension were selected and divided into two groups randomly. After the one-month online training program for intervention group, by conducting an interview, the data was completed using questionnaire and it was analyzed using spss 27 software (significance level of 0.05). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups. After 3 months of follow-up, a significant increase in attitude, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention related to physical activity was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < .05). Also, the average blood pressure in the intervention group was higher than the control group. Considering the effect of the online health education program based on the theory of planned behavior in improving the stages of changing physical activity and reducing blood pressure, the use of these developed models with an emphasis on modifying the subjective norm related to physical activity in the field of prevention is recommended for high blood pressure.