Comparison of the effects of the web-based and face-to-face training on self-efficacy and health literacy of patients with hypertension

Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of the web-based and face-to-face training on self-efficacy and health literacy of patients with hypertension. Materials and Methods: The research was made on pre-test and post-tests semi-experimental model. The study population consisted of 1226 patients with hypertension registered in the relevant Family Health Centers between January 2015 and June 2016. And, the sample of the study consisted of 140 patients who were selected by non-probability random sampling method, met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the research. The "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Hypertension Knowledge Test", "Health Literacy Scale" and "Self-efficacy in Hypertension Scale" were used for data collection. In the web training group, training videos were uploaded every 2 weeks into the website; and, in the face-to-face training group biweekly home visits were carried out to provide training for six times. Approximately three months after the training were over, data collection tools were reapplied in both groups and the final test data were collected. In the evaluation of the data, chi-square test, percentile distribution, independent samples t-tests and paired t-test were used. Results: The mean Health Literacy and Hypertension Self-Efficacy Scale scores of the subjects in the web training group were found to be increased in the post-tests compared to the pre-tests (p<0.001). Also, the mean Health Literacy and Hypertension Self-Efficacy Scale scores of the subjects in the face-to-face training group were found to be increased in the post-tests compared to the pre-tests (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the web and face-to-face training groups according to the types of training (p>0.05). The health literacy and self-efficacy levels of patients with hypertension were increased with the training provided regardless of the type of training. Conclusion: It was determined that web-based and face-to-face training for patients with hypertension have a positive effect on health literacy and self-efficacy levels, without any difference between the two training methods. Keywords: Hypertension, health literacy, self-efficacy, web training, face-to-face training