Abstract P085: Use of Mobile Health (mHealth) Technology to Identify Targets for Improving Cardiovascular (CV) Health for Women in a Resource-limited Community: Observations From the Washington, D.C. CV Health and Needs Assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Little is understood about using mHealth technology, particularly wearable devices, to assess CV health factors among women living in resource-limited communities. Hypothesis: mHealth technology could objectively identify targets to improve CV health outcomes for women living in resource-limited settings. Methods: We conducted the Washington, D.C. CV Health and Needs Assessment (NCT01927783), community-based participatory research in predominantly African American (AA), churches in city wards with lowest median household income. Participants underwent a day-long assessment to measure CV health factors [body mass index, fasting blood glucose and cholesterol, blood pressure, fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake, physical activity (PA), smoking]. Each participant was trained on using a mHealth wristband to monitor PA during a 30-day period. PA data was wirelessly uploaded to any PA-data collection hub located at the participating churches. Participants accessed their data on a secure account from a church or home computer, and investigators accessed de-identified data from a password-protected website. CV health factors were compared across weight classes. Results: Among female participants (n=78; 99% AA; mean age= 59 years), 90% had a body mass index (BMI) categorized as overweight or obese, with 30% Class-I obesity, 19% Class-II obesity, and 17% Class-III obesity [Table]. Across weight classes, PA (per mHealth wristband) decreased and self-reported sedentary time (ST) increased (p≤0.05). F/V intake was inadequate across all classes. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and glucose increased across weight classes (p≤0.05); however, cholesterol, glucose, and BP were near intermediate CV health goals. Conclusions: Decreased PA, increased ST, and inadequate F/V intake are potential community intervention targets for obese women in resource-limited Washington, D.C. areas. mHealth technology can assist in focusing intervention resources to improve CV health for women in resource-limited settings.