Feedback based on health advice via tracing bracelet and smartphone in the management of blood pressure among hypertensive patients: A community-based RCT trial in Chongqing, China

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle interventions have been recognized as a line of treatment for noncommunicable diseases. This study aimed to evaluate a bespoke mHealth approach to deliver personalized feedback to improve blood pressure and weight for hypertensive patients in community settings.Methods: A total of 307 participants, 50 from each community, were expected to be in the intervention or control group. A professional health facilitator was assigned for each of the 6 communities. The primary outcomes of the study are the reduction in blood pressure and weight at baseline and postintervention.Results: Of 307 recruited, 192 participants (62.5%) completed the study (intervention: 104 and control: 88). There was no difference in attrition rates between the 2 groups (33.5% vs 41.9%, P = .291). After 6 month of intensive feedback intervention through the mHealth approach, patients had better blood pressure (133.4 ± 15.3 vs 139.7 ± 16.0) compared with control.Conclusions: People who were adherent to the intervention demonstrated a clinical benefit in weight and blood pressure.

Effectiveness of digital health interventions on blood pressure control, lifestyle behaviours and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…From the 22 studies, 12,892 participants from 12 countries were included and published from 2012 to 2023. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 Most studies (n = 10) were conducted in China, 10 , 11 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 34 , 37 and (n = 2) in Iran. 32 , 33 One study each was conducted in South Africa, 8 Bangladesh, 9 Pakistan, 22 Nepal, 12 Cameroon, 26 Honduras and Mexico, 27 Brazil, 35 Turkey, 36 Russia, 38 and Argentina.…”

“…32 , 33 One study each was conducted in South Africa, 8 Bangladesh, 9 Pakistan, 22 Nepal, 12 Cameroon, 26 Honduras and Mexico, 27 Brazil, 35 Turkey, 36 Russia, 38 and Argentina. 31 Fifteen studies were conducted in upper-middle-income economies (UMIEs), 8 , 10 , 11 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 and 7 in lower-middle-income economies (LMIEs), 9 , 12 , 22 , 26 , 27 , 32 , 33 according to the World Bank classification. 39 Only RCT articles were considered, with 14 employing a matching design, 3 a cluster, and 5 prospective.…”

“…39 Only RCT articles were considered, with 14 employing a matching design, 3 a cluster, and 5 prospective. A total of 12 studies adopted SMS as the main method for the provision of digital health intervention, 8 , 9 , 12 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 37 8 used smartphone apps (apps installed on smartphones), 10 , 11 , 23 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 34 , 38 and 2 used mobile phone calls. 26 , 27 The period of the intervention varied from 1.5 to 18 months, less than 12 months in 19 studies (83.3%), 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 38 and 12 months and more in 3 studies (16.7%), 8 , 31 , 37 ( Table 1 and Supplementary File, Table S3 on pages 17–18 ).…”

“… BMI (kg/m 2 ) for intervention (28.6 ± 3.2) and control (28.4 ± 3.7). PA for intervention (247.3 ± 96.3) and control (102.7 ± 53.3) Improved adherence to medication and diet Zhang et al., 2022 34 ; China; CG: 88 IG: 104 RCT; 6 months; Smartphone app Bracelet with an installed smartphone application for recording BP, tracing data on DASH diet and checking weight. SBP 19% for (intervention) and 14% (control); DBP 26.0% for (intervention) and 14% (control) Adherence to weight reduction for intervention (66.7 ± 11.0) control (64.1 ± 12.4); Adherence to BMI management for intervention (25.5 ± 3.4) and control (25.6 ± 3.8); mHealth effective for BP control David et al., 2023 35 ; Brazil; CG: 42 IG: 174 RCT; 6 months; SMS SMS text instructions for the DASH diet of low salt intake, physical activity, alcohol reduction, smoking cessation and telemonitoring of BP.…”

Review—Smart Wearable Sensors for Health and Lifestyle Monitoring: Commercial and Emerging Solutions

“…This group demonstrated a significant improvement in blood pressure compared to the control group, who received standard care for hypertension management without technology. 26 Hence, the mere act of wearing a smart device is insufficient to foster health improvements; the wearer's active engagement and utilisation of smart wearables are crucial factors for achieving the desired outcomes in managing chronic diseases.…”