Effect of E-learning programme on health behaviours and cardiac physiological risk parameters: evidence from Palestine

ABSTRACT

Coronary heart disease has been increasing rabidly in the past two decades and has become the leading cause of death in Palestine. Epidemiological studies indicate a relation between cardiac behavioural and physiological risk. Cardiac risk factor modification and behavioural changes has become essential and primary goal in cardiac rehabilitation program. The lack of administrative attention, rehabilitation facilities, and difficulties to access health care centers present a challenge to the implementation of this E-Learning program for CHD patients. This study aim was to assess the effect of an E-learning program on health behaviours and cardiac physiological risk in patients with coronary heart disease in Jenin, Palestine. A quasi-experimental design was applied to 65 intervention patients and 61 control patients with recently diagnosed CHD in Palestine, at Jenin Hospital. An E-learning program was designed by the researcher and implemented for patients in the intervention group. The effect of utilization of the E-learning program was evaluated through a post-test assessment. Results: The study results revealed the two groups were similar in most personal and diseases characteristics. At the post-intervention phase, intervention group patients had better mean systolic blood pressure. At the follow-up phase, they had better control of hypertension . The study demonstrated the effectiveness of an E-learning program for patients with CHD in improving their health behavior. It is recommended to apply this program in cardiac units and clinics, with orientation programs for nurses on how to develop and apply E-learning materials in patient's education