Establishing an Evaluation Indicator System for User Satisfaction With Hypertension Management Apps: Combining User-Generated Content and Analytic Hierarchy Process.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension management apps (HMAs) can be effective in controlling blood pressure, but their actual impact is often suboptimal. Establishing a user satisfaction evaluation indicator system for HMAs can assist app developers in enhancing app design and functionality, while also helping users identify apps that best meet their needs. This approach aims to improve the overall effectiveness of app usage. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically collect data on HMAs and their user reviews in the United States and China. It analyzes app usage patterns and functional characteristics, identifies factors influencing user satisfaction from existing research, and develops a satisfaction evaluation indicator system to provide more accurate recommendations for improving user satisfaction. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive statistical analysis to assess the development status of HMAs in both countries and applied the task-technology fit model to evaluate whether the app functionalities align with business needs. We separately summarized the factors influencing user satisfaction in both countries from previous research, utilized the analytic hierarchy process to develop an evaluation indicator system for HMA user satisfaction, and calculated satisfaction levels. Based on these findings, we propose improvements to enhance app functionality and user satisfaction. RESULTS: In terms of current development status, there were fewer HMAs and user reviews in China compared with the United States. Regarding app functional availability, fewer than 5% (4/91) of the apps achieved a demand fulfillment rate exceeding 80% (8/10). Overall, user satisfaction in both countries was low. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, user satisfaction was lowest for advertising distribution, data synchronization, and reliability. By contrast, Chinese apps need improvements in cost efficiency and compatibility.

Association of the weight-adjusted waist index with hypertension in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine.

Objective: Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent global health concern. From the standpoint of preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM), early detection of HTN offers a crucial opportunity for targeted prevention and personalized treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and HTN risk. Methods: A case-control study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018 was conducted. Logistic regression models assessed the association between WWI and HTN. Subgroup analyses explored differences in age, sex, ethnicity, and diabetes status. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses examined potential nonlinear relationships. Results: A total of 32,116 participants, with an average age of 49.28 ± 17.56 years, were included in the study. A significant positive association between WWI and the risk of HTN was identified (odds ratio [OR], 2.49; 95% CI, 2.39-2.59; P < 0.001). When WWI was categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4), the highest quartile (Q4) exhibited a stronger association compared to Q1 (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 2.65-3.27; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that WWI was a risk factor for HTN across different populations, although variations in the magnitude of effect were observed. Furthermore, the findings from the RCS elucidated a nonlinear positive correlation between WWI and HTN. Conclusion: WWI is independently associated with HTN risk, highlighting its potential as a risk assessment tool in clinical practice. Incorporating WWI into early detection strategies enhances targeted prevention and personalized management of HTN. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-024-00375-3.

Optimizing time-in-target-range assessment for blood pressure: insights from a large-scale study with continual cuffless monitoring.

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) time-in-target-range (TTR) is an emerging predictor of cardiovascular risk. Conventional BP methods are fundamentally unable to provide an optimal assessment of TTR, using irregular measurements separated by lengthy intervals. We investigated the optimal duration and frequency for reliable, practical TTR assessment in clinical settings using continual monitoring. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 2.3 million BP readings from 5,189 European home users (55 ± 11 years, 82% male, BMI 28.0 ± 5.8) using a cuffless BP monitor (Aktiia SA). Systolic BP (SBP) data over 15 consecutive days were assessed (29 ± 11 readings/subject/24-h; 434 + 132 readings/subject/15-day). Subjects were classified into risk-related TTR groups based on 15-day SBP data (24-h, target 90-125 mmHg; ≥6 daytime readings). Various measurement frequencies and durations (1-14 days; 24-h/daytime; 2, 4 or ≥ 6 readings/day) were compared to this reference. Two specific configurations paralleling ambulatory ("One-Day-24 h") and home ("One-Week-Daytime") BP monitoring were selected for detailed analysis. Results: The reference TTR classified 63.0% of the subjects as high risk, 19.0% intermediate, and 18.0% low. "One-Day-24 h" schedule inaccurately classified 26% of subjects compared to the reference TTR, and "One-Week-Daytime" schedule inaccurately classified 45%. Classification accuracy with both schedules was high for subjects with very low or very high reference TTR, but poor otherwise. Accuracy of ≥90% in TTR classification only occurred with 7 days of continual 24-h monitoring. Discussion: For the first time, with the benefit of a cuffless device that measures BP with sufficient frequency and duration, practical use of TTR is enabled as a potentially enhanced metric to manage hypertension.

The role of community health workers in the management of hypertension in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular death worldwide and its prevalence has been on the increase in LMICs including Nigeria. There is an increasing awareness and recognition of the contributions of the community health workers (CHWs) in the healthcare system. This study assessed their current role in the management of hypertension and patient satisfaction with the care received. METHODS: A mixed method study (cross-sectional study of 381 CHWs and key informant interview of 14 patients with hypertension selected using multi-stage and purposive sampling respectively) was conducted across five states in different geopolitical zones of Nigeria to assess the role of CHWs in hypertension management and the patients' level of satisfaction with services of CHWs. Chi-square test was used to assess relationship between categorical variables. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis of the text data from the KII was done using Nvivo® version 12 pro. RESULTS: A total of 381 CHWs completed the study. They were predominantly males (63%) with mean age of 40.96 ± 12.51 years. Only about one-third of the CHWs (31%) could correctly diagnose hypertension while only 15% knew the base-line investigations to be requested. Being female (FE = 9.205, p = 0.008) and resident in northwest geopolitical region (χ2 = 20.920, p < 0.001) had statistically significant associations with appropriate diagnostic skills for hypertension. Being supervised by doctors was associated with appropriate knowledge of baseline investigations for hypertension (χ2 = 5.534, p = 0.019). Mostly, hypertensive patients reported positive experiences and satisfaction with the services provided by the CHWs. CONCLUSIONS: Community health workers currently have critical contributions in the management of hypertension in Nigeria. Hypertensive patients generally reported satisfactory experience with CHWs managing them. The services rendered by CHWs can be improved upon by adequate supervision and training.

Enhanced body shape change coupled with PA is the key to hypertension management for urban residents.

The present study aimed to assess the relationship between body shape, physical activity (PA), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A novel visualization method was used to examine the effects of body shape combined with physical activity on hypertension. Data from 54,303 participants were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and analyzed using logistic regression models and standardized regression coefficients of linear models. These models were used to explore factors and effects of body shape indices and other parameters on SBP and DBP. The logistic regression model revealed that compared to transport-related PA, the aggregated variables (weight and waist) were associated with a 2.44-fold and 1.65-fold increase in the risk of hypertension, respectively (p < .05). The average aggregated standardized coefficient of the linear model, based on 1000 bootstrap resamples, indicated that the Base Shape group had the strongest explanatory power for hypertension, followed by the Habits group. However, the explanatory power of the PA group was around 10 and 22 times lower than that of the Base Shape group for DBP and SBP, respectively (p < .05). These results demonstrate that increasing physical activity, with emphasizing a healthy body shape, and adopting positive lifestyle habits can effectively contribute to the prevention and control of hypertension.

How do patients experience and use home blood pressure monitoring? A qualitative analysis with UTAUT 2.

Background: Hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor with potentially harmful consequences. Home blood pressure monitoring is a promising method for following the effect of hypertension treatment. The use of technology-enabled care and increased patient involvement might contribute to more effective treatment methods. However, more knowledge is needed to explain the motivations and consequences of patients engaging in what has been called 'do-it-yourself healthcare'. Aim: This study aimed to investigate patients' experiences of home blood pressure monitoring through the theoretical frame of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2). Methods: The study had a qualitative design, with focus group interviews using the web-based platform Zoom. The data were analysed using qualitative deductive content analysis, inspired by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: The results are presented using the seven theoretical constructs of UTAUT 2: Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Hedonistic Motivation, Price Value and Habit. We found one overarching theme ‒ 'It's all about the feeling of security'. The patients were influenced by relatives or healthcare personnel and experienced the home monitoring process as being easy to conduct. The patients emphasised that the quality of the blood pressure monitor was more important than the price. Patients reported home monitoring of blood pressure as a feasible method to follow-up care of their hypertension. Discussion: This study indicates that among motivated patients, home blood pressure measurement entails minimal effort, increases security, and leads to better communication about blood pressure between healthcare personnel and patients.

Self-monitoring of hypertension is an increasingly common method and may increase measurement accuracy and patient involvement.Through the theoretical lens of the UTAUT2, home blood pressure monitoring seems to increase patients´ feeling of security.The respondents did not report negative experiences and might have been more prone to use technology-enabled care.Home blood pressure monitoring seems to be easily adopted by motivated patients with an interest in self-monitoring their disease.

Utilizing Group Model Building to Identify Barriers and Facilitators of Hypertension Management in Primary Health Care, China.

Purpose: Group Model Building (GMB) is a qualitative method that refers to a participatory process. This project aims to identify barriers and facilitators of hypertension management in primary health care in China, through which, the leverage point for intervention may be found. Methods: The GMB was used to identify the factors influencing hypertension management. Graphs over time and causal loop diagram (CLD) were main tools of GMB. To propose the influencing factors, key stakeholders were invited to participate in a workshop. During the workshop, stakeholders were encouraged to plot the graphs over time of the variables about research issues and give a descriptive explanation. And based on this, a CLD was initially developed to establish a model of the interaction of factors. After the workshop, the research group further improved the CLD through repeated mutual discussions, and gave feedback to the participants. The Vensim PLE 9.0 software package was used to build CLD. Results: A total of 14 key stakeholders were invited to participate in the workshop. Finally, 26 influencing factors were identified, which were divided into three dimensions, including the institutional, the community health workers (CHWs), and the patient level. And 5 reinforcing loops and 4 balancing loops were formed in the CLD. Promoting the building of the Medical Community/Regional Medical Association, implementing the family doctor contract service (FDCS), and enhancing the motivation of CHWs may be potential leverage points for hypertension management in China. Conclusion: By using GMB, we have identified key factors in the management of hypertension in primary health care and provided comprehensive suggestions to overcome the obstacles.

Smoking cessation decreases arterial blood pressure in hypertensive smokers: A subgroup analysis of the randomized controlled trial GENTSMOKING.

INTRODUCTION: High blood pressure in hypertensive smokers is affected by nicotine consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking cessation treatments on blood pressure in hypertensive smokers. METHODS: A total of 113 hypertensive smokers on antihypertensives during smoking cessation treatment in the randomized controlled trial GENTSMOKING were considered for analysis. At Baseline (T0) and Week 12 (T12), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured using a semi-automated digital oscillometric device. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and delta differences for SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP were calculated. Smoking cessation was confirmed by measuring carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaled air. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, 72 participants ceased smoking (cessation group) and 41 did not (no cessation group). At T0, there was no statistically meaningful difference between groups with respect to age, body mass index, CO, and daily cigarette consumption. At T12, daily cigarette consumption and CO had decreased in both groups (p<0.001). The cessation group showed decreased SBP (131 ± 2 vs 125 ± 2 mmHg, p=0.004), DBP (79 ± 1 vs 77 ± 1 mmHg, p=0.031), MAP (96 ± 1 vs 93 ± 1 mmHg, p=0.005), and HR (79 ± 1 vs 74 ± 1 beats/min, p=0.001), and increased body weight (77.4 ± 2.1 vs 79.2 ± 2.2 kg, p<0.001). No significant differences were seen for these variables in the no cessation group. Decrease in blood pressure was significantly higher among hypertensive participants with SBP ≥130 mmHg: SBP (145 ± 2 vs 132 ± 2 mmHg, p<0.001), DBP (85 ± 2 vs 80 ± 1 mmHg, p=0.002), MAP (105 ± 1 vs 97 ± 1 mmHg, p<0.001), and HR (81 ± 2 vs 74 ± 2 beats/min, p=0.002). A positive correlation was found between HR and CO (r=0.34; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation treatment reduced blood pressure in hypertensive smokers, allowing them to reach therapeutic targets for hypertension management. Smoking cessation has a positive impact on hypertension treatment; therefore, it should be encouraged in clinical practice. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03362099.

HPLC-Based Metabolomic Analysis and Characterization of Amaranthus cruentus Leaf and Inflorescence Extracts for Their Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Potential.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Amaranthus cruentus flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, hesperetin, naringenin, hesperidin, and naringin), cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid), and benzoic acids (vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) as antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive agents. An analytical method for simultaneous quantification of flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, and benzoic acids for metabolomic analysis of leaves and inflorescences from A. cruentus was developed with HPLC-UV-DAD. Evaluation of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, and recovery was used to validate the analytical method developed. Maximum total flavonoids contents (5.2 mg/g of lyophilized material) and cinnamic acid derivatives contents (0.6 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in leaves. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the maximum total betacyanin contents (74.4 mg/g of lyophilized material) and betaxanthin contents (31 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in inflorescences. The leaf extract showed the highest activity in removing DPPH radicals. In vitro antidiabetic activity of extracts was performed with pancreatic α-glucosidase and intestinal α-amylase, and compared to acarbose. Both extracts exhibited a reduction in enzyme activity from 57 to 74%. Furthermore, the in vivo tests on normoglycemic murine models showed improved glucose homeostasis after sucrose load, which was significantly different from the control. In vitro antihypertensive activity of extracts was performed with angiotensin-converting enzyme and contrasted to captopril; both extracts exhibited a reduction of enzyme activity from 53 to 58%. The leaf extract induced a 45% relaxation in an ex vivo aorta model. In the molecular docking analysis, isoamaranthin and isogomphrenin-I showed predictive binding affinity for α-glucosidases (human maltase-glucoamylase and human sucrase-isomaltase), while catechin displayed binding affinity for human angiotensin-converting enzyme. The data from this study highlights the potential of A. cruentus as a functional food.

Impact of educational intervention on hypertension management by primary care physician: A randomized control trial.

Objective: The current study aimed to observe hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians (GPs) to improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes indirectly. Methods: This randomized control trial includes 42 GPs divided into 2 groups. GPs in group 1 receive face-to-face education with structured educational material on hypertension management strategies by a senior cardiologist. GPs in group 2 receive the print version of education material. The data was collected from six major cities in Pakistan. GPs with at least three years of experience in the broad primary care disciplines, with ages above 18 years, were included in the study. Results: A total of 42 physicians (21 from each group) completed questionnaires, while out of 420 hypertension patients, 105 newly diagnosed and already diagnosed patients enrolled under physicians of both groups. The educational material did just as well at informing clinicians as the face-to-face group intervention did and both the interventions had a significant effect on knowledge and BP control. Conclusion: After the 3-month follow-up, both interventions, including face-to-face and educational approaches, demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving knowledge and blood pressure control. Innovation: The study shows that hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians indirectly improves blood pressure control and patient outcomes. And emphasize for developing a hypertension educational program targeted at general physicians.

Exploring primary care physicians' challenges in using home blood pressure monitoring to manage hypertension in Singapore: a qualitative study.

Objective: Hypertension guidelines recommend using home blood pressure (HBP) to diagnose, treat and monitor hypertension. This study aimed to explore the challenges primary care physicians (PCPs) face in using HBP to manage patients with hypertension. Method: A qualitative study was conducted in 2022 at five primary care clinics in Singapore. An experienced qualitative researcher conducted individual in-depth interviews with 17 PCPs using a semi-structured interview guide. PCPs were purposively recruited based on their clinical roles and seniority until data saturation. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and managed using NVivo qualitative data management software. Analysis was performed using thematic analysis. Results: PCPs identified variations in patients' HBP monitoring practices and inconsistencies in recording them. Access to HBP records relied on patients bringing their records to the clinic visit. A lack of seamless transfer of HBP records to the EMR resulted in an inconsistency in documentation and additional workload for PCPs. PCPs struggled to interpret the HBP readings, especially when there were BP fluctuations; this made treatment decisions difficult. Conclusion: Despite strong recommendations to use HBP to inform hypertension management, PCPs still faced challenges accessing and interpreting HBP readings; this makes clinical decision-making difficult. Future research should explore effective ways to enhance patient self-efficacy in HBP monitoring and support healthcare providers in documenting and interpreting HBP.

Patients Living With Arterial Hypertension in Mexico: First Insights of The Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA Study).

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. However, there is limited evidence to understand blood pressure management and cardiometabolic profiles. Here, we aim to assess the prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure, as well as the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among patients from the Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants living with arterial hypertension registered on RIHTA between December 2021 and April 2023. We used both the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH thresholds to define controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension. We considered eleven cardiometabolic risk factors, which include overweight, obesity, central obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C, high LDL-C, low-eGFR, and high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. RESULTS: In a sample of 5,590 participants (female: 61%, n = 3,393; median age: 64 [IQR: 56-72] years), the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension varied significantly, depending on the definition (2017 ACC/AHA: 59.9%, 95% CI: 58.6-61.2 and 2018 ESC/ESH: 20.1%, 95% CI: 19.0-21.2). In the sample, 40.43% exhibited at least 5-6 risk factors, and 32.4% had 3-4 risk factors, chiefly abdominal obesity (83.4%, 95% CI: 82.4-84.4), high LDL-C (59.6%, 95% CI: 58.3-60.9), high CVD risk (57.9%, 95% CI: 56.6-59.2), high triglycerides (56.2%, 95% CI: 54.9-57.5), and low HDL-C (42.2%, 95% CI: 40.9-43.5). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension interlinked with a high burden of cardiometabolic comorbidities in Mexican adults living with arterial hypertension, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and better healthcare policies to reduce the burden of the disease in our country.

Women with Blood Pressure Improvement in the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation Program by Race and Ethnicity, 2014-2018.

Background: The Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program aims to improve the cardiovascular health of women aged 40-64 years with low incomes, and who are uninsured or underinsured. The objective is to examine WISEWOMAN participants with hypertension who had high blood pressure (BP) improvement from January 2014 to June 2018, by race and ethnicity. Also examined was participation in WISEWOMAN Healthy Behavior Support Services (HBSS) and adherence to antihypertensive medication. Materials and Methods: WISEWOMAN data from January 2014 to June 2018 were analyzed by race and ethnicity. BP improvement was defined as at least a 5 mm Hg decrease in systolic or diastolic BP values from baseline screening to rescreening. The prevalence of HBSS participation and antihypertensive medication adherence were calculated among hypertensive women with BP improvement. Results: Approximately 64.2% (4,984) of WISEWOMAN participants with hypertension had at least a 5 mm Hg BP improvement. These improvements were consistent across each race and ethnicity (p = 0.56) in the study. Nearly 70% of women who had BP improvement attended at least one HBSS. Hispanic women (80.1%) had the highest HBSS attendance percentage compared to non-Hispanic Black women (64.1%) and non-Hispanic White women (63.8%; p < 0.001). About 80% of women with BP improvement reported being adherent to antihypertensive medication in the previous 7 days. Conclusions: The proportion of women achieving BP improvement in the WISEWOMAN program was consistent across race and ethnicity. In addition, women with BP improvement reported adherence to antihypertensive medication and participation in HBSS.

Mining User Reviews From Hypertension Management Mobile Health Apps to Explore Factors Influencing User Satisfaction and Their Asymmetry: Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension significantly impacts the well-being and health of individuals globally. Hypertension management apps (HMAs) have been shown to assist patients in controlling blood pressure (BP), with their efficacy validated in clinical trials. However, the utilization of HMAs continues to be suboptimal. Presently, there is a dearth of real-world research based on big data and exploratory mining that compares Chinese and American HMAs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically gather HMAs and their user reviews from both China and the United States. Subsequently, using data mining techniques, the study aims to compare the user experience, satisfaction levels, influencing factors, and asymmetry between Chinese and American users of HMAs. In addition, the study seeks to assess the disparities in satisfaction and its determinants while delving into the asymmetry of these factors. METHODS: The study sourced HMAs and user reviews from 10 prominent Chinese and American app stores globally. Using the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic model, the research identified various topics within user reviews. Subsequently, the Tobit model was used to investigate the impact and distinctions of each topic on user satisfaction. The Wald test was applied to analyze differences in effects across various factors. RESULTS: We examined a total of 261 HMAs along with their associated user reviews, amounting to 116,686 reviews in total. In terms of quantity and overall satisfaction levels, Chinese HMAs (n=91) and corresponding reviews (n=16,561) were notably fewer compared with their American counterparts (n=220 HMAs and n=100,125 reviews). The overall satisfaction rate among HMA users was 75.22% (87,773/116,686), with Chinese HMAs demonstrating a higher satisfaction rate (13,866/16,561, 83.73%) compared with that for American HMAs (73,907/100,125, 73.81%). Chinese users primarily focus on reliability (2165/16,561, 13.07%) and measurement accuracy (2091/16,561, 12.63%) when considering HMAs, whereas American users prioritize BP tracking (17,285/100,125, 17.26%) and data synchronization (12,837/100,125, 12.82%). Seven factors (easy to use: P<.001; measurement accuracy: P<.001; compatibility: P<.001; cost: P<.001; heart rate detection function: P=.02; blood pressure tracking function: P<.001; and interface design: P=.01) significantly influenced the positive deviation (PD) of Chinese HMA user satisfaction, while 8 factors (easy to use: P<.001; reliability: P<.001; measurement accuracy: P<.001; compatibility: P<.001; cost: P<.001; interface design: P<.001; real-time: P<.001; and data privacy: P=.001) affected the negative deviation (ND). Notably, BP tracking had the greatest effect on PD (ß=.354, P<.001), while cost had the most significant impact on ND (ß=3.703, P<.001). All 12 factors (easy to use: P<.001; blood pressure tracking function: P<.001; data synchronization: P<.001; blood pressure management effect: P<.001; heart rate detection function: P<.001; data sharing: P<.001; reliability: P<.001; compatibility: P<.001; interface design: P<.001; advertisement distribution: P<.001; measurement accuracy: P<.001; and cost: P<.001) significantly influenced the PD and ND of American HMA user satisfaction. Notably, BP tracking had the greatest effect on PD (ß=0.312, P<.001), while data synchronization had the most significant impact on ND (ß=2.662, P<.001). In addition, the influencing factors of PD and ND in user satisfaction of HMA in China and the United States are different. CONCLUSIONS: User satisfaction factors varied significantly between different countries, showing considerable asymmetry. For Chinese HMA users, ease of use and interface design emerged as motivational factors, while factors such as cost, measurement accuracy, and compatibility primarily contributed to user dissatisfaction. For American HMA users, motivational factors were ease of use, BP tracking, BP management effect, interface design, measurement accuracy, and cost. Moreover, users expect features such as data sharing, synchronization, software reliability, compatibility, heart rate detection, and nonintrusive advertisement distribution. Tailored experience plans should be devised for different user groups in various countries to address these diverse preferences and requirements.

Transformative Insights: Break Up with Salt (BUWS) Program's Short-Term Influence on Hypertension Risk Factors.

Break Up with Salt (BUWS) is a four-session community-based nutrition education program aimed at reducing key controllable hypertension risk factors. This pilot study utilized a pre-post survey design to assess short-term outcomes on food behaviors (including DASH diet eating patterns), physical activity, and overall well-being, in two groups of participants. The first "pilot" group (n = 25) completed a comprehensive, 16-item survey; the second "abbreviated" group (n = 27) completed a 5-item survey. The pilot group experienced improvements in whole grain (p = 0.04), sweetened beverage consumption, watching/reducing sodium (p = 0.04) and fat (p = 0.05) consumption, and time spent sitting (p = 0.04). The abbreviated group improved confidence in using food labels (p = 0.02), following the DASH diet (p < 0.01), preparing food without salt (p = 0.03), selecting lower sodium items when eating out (p = 0.04), and making a positive lifestyle change (p = 0.01). The BUWS program provides information and teaches strategies to manage or prevent hypertension. By effectively improving diet and food behaviors, BUWS has the potential to reduce hypertension risk factors and improve the general health of participants.

Detection and Management of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in the Treatment of Acute Community-Acquired Bacterial Meningitis: A Systematic Review.

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The most prevalent pathogens in community-acquired ABM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Other pathogens may affect specific patient groups, such as newborns, older patients, or immunocompromised patients. It is well established that ABM is associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the role of ICP monitoring and management in the treatment of ABM has been poorly described.An electronic search was performed in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The search strategy chosen for this review used the following terms: Intracranial Pressure AND (management OR monitoring) AND bacterial meningitis. The search yielded a total of 403 studies, of which 18 were selected for inclusion. Eighteen studies were finally included in this review. Only one study was a randomized controlled trial. All studies employed invasive ICP monitoring techniques, whereas some also relied on assessment of ICP-based on clinical and/or radiological observations. The most commonly used invasive tools were external ventricular drains, which were used both to monitor and treat elevated ICP. Results from the included studies revealed a clear association between elevated ICP and mortality, and possibly improved outcomes when invasive ICP monitoring and management were used. Finally, the review highlights the absence of clear standardized protocols for the monitoring and management of ICP in patients with ABM. This review provides an insight into the role of invasive ICP monitoring and ICP-based management in the treatment of ABM. Despite weak evidence certainty, the present literature points toward enhanced patient outcomes in ABM with the use of treatment strategies aiming to normalize ICP using continuous invasive monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid diversion techniques. Continued research is needed to define when and how to employ these strategies to best improve outcomes in ABM.

Rural and Urban Differences in Hypertension Management Through Telehealth Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Commercially Insured Patients.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid increase in telehealth use. However, limited evidence exists on how rural and urban residents used telehealth and in-person outpatient services to manage hypertension during the pandemic. METHODS: This longitudinal study analyzed 701,410 US adults (18-64 years) in the MarketScan Commercial Claims Database, who were continuously enrolled from January 2017 through March 2022. We documented monthly numbers of hypertension-related telehealth and in-person outpatient visits (per 100 individuals), and the proportion of telehealth visits among all hypertension-related outpatient visits, from January 2019 through March 2022. We used Welch's two-tail t-test to differentiate monthly estimates by rural-urban status and month-to-month changes. RESULTS: From February through April 2020, the monthly number of hypertension-related telehealth visits per 100 individuals increased from 0.01 to 6.05 (P < 0.001) for urban residents and from 0.01 to 4.56 (P < 0.001) for rural residents. Hypertension-related in-person visits decreased from 20.12 to 8.30 (P < 0.001) for urban residents and from 20.48 to 10.15 (P < 0.001) for rural residents. The proportion of hypertension-related telehealth visits increased from 0.04% to 42.15% (P < 0.001) for urban residents and from 0.06% to 30.98% (P < 0.001) for rural residents. From March 2020 to March 2022, the monthly average of the proportions of hypertension-related telehealth visits was higher for urban residents than for rural residents (10.19% vs. 6.96%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Data show that rural residents were less likely to use telehealth for hypertension management. Understanding trends in hypertension-related telehealth utilization can highlight disparities in the sustained use of telehealth to advance accessible health care.

Evaluation and Management of Elevated BP in Children in the ED.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric hypertension has been on the rise over the past four decades. While most cases are evaluated and managed in the primary healthcare setting, some children may be referred to the emergency department (ED) for an expedited workup of elevated blood pressure or for management of hypertensive crisis. RECENT FINDINGS: Acute severe hypertension without end-organ damage and hypertensive emergency are life-threatening conditions that healthcare providers must be prepared to accurately recognize and treat as pediatric hypertension increases in prevalence. In this article, we review the most recent definitions of elevated blood pressure and hypertension and discuss the updated literature on the evaluation and management of hypertension and hypertensive crisis of children in the ED.

Compliance With Guidelines of Hypertension Management, and Associated Factors Among the Health Practitioners.

The consequences of uncontrolled hypertension such as stroke, myocardial infarction, retinal damage and others are significantly affecting individual and the community in large. The patients are suffering from compromised quality of life, permanent disability, and premature death in developing countries. The reason for the existence of the gap hasn't been clear yet. An institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study designed from patient medical record data was used to assess compliance with the federal democratic and republic of Ethiopia ministry of health hypertension management guideline. Medical records of adult Patients treated for hypertension from March 2019 to March 2020 were reviewed. Systematic sampling technique from patients' medical records every 10th interval was taken to reach the total sample size. The collected data were checked for completeness, consistency, and accuracy before analysis. Data were coded, entered, and cleaned using Epi-data 7 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Overall compliance with the hypertension guideline was found to be poor; only 75 (19.5%) patients managed according to the guideline in these institutions. The majority of health practitioners complied with the pharmacological Antihypertensive treatment protocols for 238 (62.0%) patients, while for 146 (38.0%) of the patients the guideline was not followed. Combining the lifestyle modification recommendations and pharmacological antihypertensive treatment to assess compliance with the hypertension management guideline, only 75 (19.5%) patients managed as per the guideline, while 309 (80.5%) did not. Nearly more than two-thirds of the patients were not managed following the national hypertension guideline, and health practitioners are failed to recommend lifestyle modifications for most of the patients, as a result, the majority of the hypertensive patients are being exposed to complications and urgent intervention is demanded against the gap.