Sociodemographic Characteristics Predicting Digital Health Intervention Use After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that digital health interventions (DHIs) are an effective tool to reduce hospital readmissions by improving adherence to guideline-directed therapy. We investigated whether sociodemographic characteristics influence use of a DHI targeting 30-day readmission reduction after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Covariates included age, sex, race, native versus loaner iPhone, access to a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitor, and disease severity as marked by treatment with CABG. Age, sex, and race were not significantly associated with DHI use before or after covariate adjustment (fully adjusted OR 0.98 (95%CI: 0.95–1.01), 0.6 (95%CI: 0.29–1.25), and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.60–2.48), respectively). Being married was associated with high DHI use (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.02–4.39). Our findings suggest that DHIs may have a role in achieving equity in cardiovascular health given similar use by age, sex, and race. The presence of a spouse, perhaps a proxy for enhanced caregiver support, may encourage DHI use. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]