Lifestyle support preferences of patients with cardiovascular diseases: What lifestyle support might work best for whom?

• Published in: PEC innovation Vol. 1; p. 100071
• Main Authors: Cohen Rodrigues, Talia R., Reijnders, Thomas, de Buisonjé, David R., Breeman, Linda D., van den Broek, Inge, Janssen, Veronica R., Kraaijenhagen, Roderik A., Atsma, Douwe E., Evers, Andrea W.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.12.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cardiac care; Cardiovascular diseases; Digital health; eHealth; Lifestyle; Patient perspectives; Self-management; Cardiac care; Self-management; Lifestyle; Digital health; Cardiovascular diseases; Patient perspectives; eHealth
• ISSN: 2772-6282; 2772-6282
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100071

Lifestyle support is essential in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and eHealth may be an easy and affordable solution to provide this support. However, CVD patients vary in their ability and interest to use eHealth. This study investigates demographic characteristics determining CVD patients' online and offline lifestyle support preferences. We used a cross-sectional study design. 659 CVD patients (Harteraad panel) completed our questionnaire. We assessed demographic characteristics and preferred lifestyle support type (coach, eHealth, family/friends, self-supportive). Respondents mostly preferred being self-supportive (n = 179, 27.2%), and a coach in a group or individually (n = 145, 22.0%; n = 139, 21.1%). An app/internet to work independently (n = 89, 13.5%) or being in touch with other CVD patients (n = 44, 6.7%) was least preferred. Men were more likely to prefer being supported by family/friends (p = .016) or self-supportive (p < .001), while women preferred a coach individually or via an app/internet (p < .001). Older patients mostly preferred self-support (p = .001). Patients with low social support were more likely to prefer being coached individually (p < .001), but not support from family/friends (p = .002). Men and older patients are more interested in being self-supportive, and patients with lower levels of social support could need extra support outside their social network. eHealth could provide a solution, but attention should be paid to spike interest for digital interventions among certain groups. •Large cardiovascular disease patient sample indicated lifestyle support preferences•Being self-supportive or face-to-face support by a coach was most preferred•Younger women were more likely to prefer a coach and an app or internet•Older men preferred support from friends and family and self-support•Social support was related to preference for a coach or family and friend support