mHealth Intervention for Promoting Hypertension Self-management Among African American Patients Receiving Care at a Community Health Center: Formative Evaluation of the FAITH! Hypertension App (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.45061
• Publication Date: 2023-06-16T13:18:26Z
• Authors: LaPrincess C Brewer; Clarence Jones; Joshua P Slusser; Maarya Pasha; Mathias Lalika; Megan Chacon; Patricia Takawira; Stanton Shanedling; Paul Erickson; Cynthia Woods; Ashton Krogman; Daphne Ferdinand; Paul Underwood; Lisa A Cooper; Christi A Patten; Sharonne N Hayes
• Keywords: mHealth; Community Health

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> African American individuals are at a higher risk of premature death from cardiovascular diseases than White individuals, with disproportionate attributable uncontrolled hypertension. Given their high use among mobile technologies, including smartphones, show promise in increasing reliable health information access. Culturally tailored (mHealth) interventions may promote hypertension self-management this population. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This formative study aimed to assess the feasibility integrating an innovative mHealth intervention into clinical and community settings improve blood pressure (BP) control patients. <title>METHODS</title> A mixed methods patients was conducted over 2 consecutive phases. In phase 1, clinicians federally qualified centers (FQHCs) Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota area, provided input through focus groups refine existing culturally app (Fostering African-American Improvement Total Health! [FAITH!] App) for promoting (renamed as FAITH! Hypertension App). Phase single-arm pre-post pilot assessing patient satisfaction. Patients receiving care FQHC participated 10-week using App synchronized wireless BP monitor worker (CHW) support address social determinants health–related needs. The multimedia consisted 10-module educational series focused on factors interactive self-assessments, medication self-monitoring, networking. Primary outcomes were (app engagement satisfaction) preliminary efficacy (change BP) immediate postintervention assessment. <title>RESULTS</title> thirteen (n=9, 69% aged ≥50 years n=10, 77% women) 16 (n=11, years; n=14, 88% women; 63% American) groups. Their feedback informed modifications, addition tracking, self-care task reminders, sensitive contexts. 2, sixteen enrolled (mean age 52.6, SD 12.3 12/16, 75% women). Overall, 38% (6/16) completed ≥50% 10 education modules, 44% (7/16) These rated 9 (out 10) its helpfulness self-management. Qualitative data revealed that they viewed user-friendly, engaging, informative, CHWs perceived providing accountability support. mean systolic diastolic BPs 7 decreased by 6.5 mm Hg (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.15) 2.8 (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.78), respectively, <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> reinforced CHW underresourced FQHCs. future randomized trial is warranted. <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04554147; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04554147