Open AccessPrevent 2 nd Stroke: a pilot study of an online secondary prevention program for stroke survivors
Author(s) -
Denham Alexandra M.J.,
Halpin Sean,
Twyman Laura,
Guillaumier Ashleigh,
Bonevski Billie
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.12794
Subject(s) - medicine , stroke (engine) , psychological intervention , depression (economics) , usability , anxiety , distress , quality of life (healthcare) , public health , physical therapy , gerontology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , nursing , mechanical engineering , human–computer interaction , computer science , engineering , economics , macroeconomics
Objective: The prevalence of modifiable health risk factors and psychological distress following a stroke is high and markedly increase the chance of a second stroke. This study aimed to examine the usability and acceptability of an online secondary prevention program addressing modifiable psycho‐behavioural risk factors for stroke survivors. Methods: A pre–post pilot study was conducted in Australia between 2016 and 2017. Participants were recruited through the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry and completed measures of health‐related quality of life, physical activity, smoking status, depression and anxiety, alcohol status, nutrition and internet use. Participants also used an online secondary prevention program (Prevent 2 nd Stroke) over a two‐week period. At follow‐up, acceptability and usability of the program were assessed. Results: A total of 18 out of 19 participants reported engaging in multiple health risk behaviours. Participants reported that they were interested in receiving an online program that provided health information (73.7%). Participants indicated Prevent 2 nd Stroke was easy to use (63.1%) and that they would recommend the program to other stroke survivors (63.1%). Conclusions: The results indicated that online programs are an acceptable way to address these health outcomes. Implications to public health: Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions using powered trials.