Knowledge and Adoption of Digital Health Technologies Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Digital health technologies (DHTs) are increasingly used to support the prevention, monitoring, and self-management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, evidence regarding patients' knowledge and adoption of these technologies in Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed the knowledge and adoption of digital health technologies among patients with cardiovascular disease attending a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 patients attending the Cardiology and General Outpatient Clinics of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique, and data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and digital health technology utilization were assessed using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The predominant age group was 51–60 years, and 80.0% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of digital health technologies. More than half (54.7%) had used a digital health device for blood pressure monitoring. Utilization was significantly associated with age group (p = 0.044), sex (p < 0.001), religion (p < 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001), and monthly income (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Although knowledge of digital health technologies was high, their adoption for cardiovascular self-management remained suboptimal. Targeted interventions to improve digital health literacy, affordability, and equitable access may enhance the utilization of these technologies among patients with cardiovascular disease.