Effect of m-Health-Based Interventions on Blood Pressure: An Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the integration of mobile health (m-Health) interventions has garnered increasing attention as a potential means to improve blood pressure (BP) management in adults. This updated systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to identify the effect of m-Health-based interventions on BP in adults and to evaluate the effect of m-Health on BP according to the characteristics of subjects, interventions, and countries. Methods: The search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, ResearchGate, and Cochrane databases in January 2022. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. For analysis, random effects models were used with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and p < 0.05. Results: Fifty studies were included in this review and in the meta-analysis. Interventions with m-Health reduced systolic BP in 3.5 mmHg (95% CI -4.3; -2.7; p < 0.001; I2 = 85.8%) and diastolic BP in 1.8 mmHg (95% CI -2.3; -1.4; p < 0.001; I2 = 78.9%) compared to usual care. The effects of m-Health interventions on BP were more evident in men and in older adults, in interventions lasting 6-8 weeks, with medication reminders, with the possibility of insertion of BP values (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study support the effectiveness of m-Health in reducing BP when compared to standard care. However, these effects are dependent on the characteristics of the subjects and interventions. Given the substantial heterogeneity among the results of this systematic review with meta-analysis, its interpretation should be cautious. Future research on this topic is warranted.