Effectiveness of an eHealth intervention to improve subjective well-being and self-efficacy in cardiovascular disaease patients: A pilot non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent, eHealth- based self- efficacy intervention to promote subjective well- being and self- efficacy in patients with cardiovascular disease, exploring sex differences. Design: A pilot study of a two- arm non- randomized controlled trial. Methods: Forty- two cardiovascular patients (31% women) participated in the study. The experimental group received a personalized psychoeducational session and a 14- days eHealth intervention. Subjective well- being (positive and negative affect) and self- efficacy (chronic and cardiac) were assessed at baseline, post- psychoeducational session, post- eHealth intervention and at two follow- ups. Results: The levels of the experimental group in positive affect, at post- eHealth and follow- up 1, and self- efficacy, at post- eHealth, and both follow- ups, were statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (all ps < .05). When considering sex, the intervention was effective only for men. The results highlight the potential of eHealth interventions for cardiac patients and underline the importance of considering a gender perspective in their treatment.