Effectiveness of telerehabilitation based educational program on cardiovascular knowledge in adults
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- College of Physiotherapy
- Enrollment
- 100
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Knowledge of CVD by Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire(HDFQ)
Overview
Brief Summary
Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant public health burden globally and are especially prevalent among older populations. These diseases include conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and others that affect the heart and blood vessels. The rise in sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, tobacco use, and physical inactivity has contributed to the growing incidence of CVDs. These risk factors are largely modifiable, making prevention possible through effective education and lifestyle changes. Despite this, awareness about cardiovascular health remains low in many regions, especially among adults. The lack of structured educational interventions, particularly in India, poses a challenge to prevention strategies. Telerehabilitation—a method of providing healthcare remotely—offers a promising solution for educating older adults in a convenient and accessible manner. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of such an approach in improving cardiovascular knowledge in the elderly.
Review of Literature A number of studies have demonstrated the importance of educational and self-management interventions in managing and preventing CVDs. Aliabad et al. (2014) found that a behavioral intervention based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) significantly improved physical activity and exercise capacity among coronary heart disease patients. Similarly, Abbasi et al. (2018) showed that a structured self-management program enhanced the quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Caldow et al. (2019) found that structured rehabilitation programs improved outcomes for patients with intermittent claudication. Research in India by Kundu et al. (2022) revealed a high prevalence of self-reported CVD among older adults, strongly associated with factors such as physical inactivity, diabetes, and cholesterol. Studies from other parts of the world, such as Tanzania (Gibore et al., 2023) and Nigeria (Chukwuemeka et al., 2023), have also highlighted gaps in knowledge and awareness regarding CVD risk factors. Findings by Mounika et al. (2024) in Northeast India emphasized that tribal males, particularly those with high blood pressure and obesity, are at increased risk. Globally, Tong et al. (2024) and Li et al. (2024) have analyzed the burden of CVD and noted differing trends by age and region, further underscoring the need for tailored, population-specific interventions. In Saudi Arabia, Ghamri et al. (2024) highlighted gender differences in cardiovascular knowledge and stressed the importance of targeted health promotion efforts.
Rationale of the Study While global data underscores the urgency of CVD prevention, there remains a noticeable gap in India regarding structured education programs targeted at the elderly population. This study aims to fill that gap by implementing a telerehabilitation-based educational program and assessing its impact using the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) and WHOQOL-BREF. Through this initiative, the study intends to enhance public awareness, promote lifestyle changes, and ultimately contribute to better cardiovascular health outcomes.
Research Question Does an educational program delivered via telerehabilitation improve cardiovascular knowledge in adults?
Aim and Objectives The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation-based educational program in increasing cardiovascular knowledge in adults. The specific objectives are to assess participants’ knowledge before and after the intervention using the HDFQ and quality of life using WHOQOL-BREF to compare these results to determine the program’s impact.
Hypotheses The study tests two hypotheses. The null hypothesis assumes that there will be no significant difference in cardiovascular knowledge following the intervention. The alternative hypothesis posits that the educational program will significantly improve knowledge among participants.
Methodology This experimental study follows a pre-test and post-test design. It will be conducted over a one-year period from July 2025 to June 2026 in Rohtak, Haryana. A total of 100 participants aged above 45 years with an HDFQ score of less than 50 and WHOQOL-BREF will be selected through convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria also require that participants must be able to use smartphones. Individuals with psychiatric conditions, severe cognitive impairments, or sensory disabilities will be excluded from the study.
Procedure All participants will provide written consent before beginning the study. Initially, they will complete the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) and WHOQOL-BREF to assess their baseline cardiovascular knowledge. The intervention group will then undergo a six-week structured educational program delivered via telerehabilitation, consisting of four sessions covering topics like an introduction to cardiovascular diseases, physical exercises, dietary and lifestyle changes, and reinforcement of knowledge. Each session will be around 45 minutes in duration. The control group will receive general educational material through online pamphlets. After six weeks, both groups will be reassessed using the same questionnaire.
Outcome Measure The primary tool used for measuring outcomes is the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire (HDFQ) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), which evaluates participants’ knowledge related to cardiovascular health and risk factors.
Statistical Analysis Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) will be computed. The paired t-test will be applied to compare pre- and post-intervention results, allowing evaluation of the educational program’s effectiveness.
Validity and Reliability The HDFQ has demonstrated strong reliability and validity. It has an internal consistency value (KR) of 0.77 and test-retest reliability of 0.89, confirming that it consistently measures cardiovascular knowledge across various populations.
The WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable and valid tool for assessing quality of life, with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91) and significant domain correlations (p < 0.01).
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Masking
- Participant Blinded
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 45.00 Year(s) to 80.00 Year(s) (—)
- Sex
- All
Inclusion Criteria
- •HDFQ knowledge level less than 50 2)Participants who are willing to participate in the study 3)Ability to use smart phones.
- •Ability to read and understand English.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Health professionals, medical student will be excluded.
- •Persons diagnosed with any psychiatric condition.
- •Person having visual and hearing disability that may interfere with answering the question will be excluded.
- •Severe cognitive impairment like dementia.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Knowledge of CVD by Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire(HDFQ)
Time Frame: Baseline (day 0),post- intervention (week 6)
Secondary Outcomes
- Quality of life by WHOQOL- BREF(1st week and 6th week)
Investigators
Dr varsha kadyan
Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak