Exploring the Relationship between Usage and Outcomes of an eHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation Intervention: Subanalysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to explore the relationship between patients' characteristics and eHealth cardiac rehabilitation adherence and between eHealth usage metrics and behavior change. A subanalysis of 73 patients in the intervention group who received eHealth cardiac rehabilitation was conducted. Usage metrics on the number of Web site logins, health data uploads, and times of peer interaction and professional consultation were captured. Linear regression analysis was used. Participants (n = 73) were predominantly male with an average age of 55.53 (SD, 7.3) years. Younger age, having been treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, and hypertension predict higher Web site logins, whereas higher education, comorbidity with hypertension and diabetes, larger family size, and having been treated with percutaneous coronary intervention predict higher chatroom engagement. The Web site logins, Web site data uploads, chatroom nurse consultation, age, number of family members, drinking, and coresidency status were identified as significant correlates and explained 41.8% of the improvement in behavior change. This study demonstrated empirical evidence that Web site visits, health data uploads, and nurse consultations are crucial for behavior modification. Further studies may monitor usage metrics and investigate self-reported usage to explore the role of peer interaction in modifying behavior.