mHealth Intervention to Improve Cardiometabolic Health in Rural Hispanic Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Hispanic/Latino adults have high rates of hypertension, obesity, and type II diabetes. Mobile health technologies (mHealth) are effective in supporting self-management of lifestyle behaviors; however, the effectiveness in rural Hispanic/Latino adults is unclear. Objective A pilot 12-week self-management mHealth intervention in rural Hispanic/Latino adults with cardiometabolic risk was conducted. Methods A randomized, 2-group (intervention and enhanced usual care) design was used to test the use of the MyFitnessPal app, a smart scale, and text messages to support daily self-monitoring of weight, food intake, and steps. Results Seventy participants enrolled. The intervention group had greater improvement in body mass index (P =.052) and waist circumference (P =.043) at 12 weeks and a trend toward greater fitness at 12 and 24 weeks. Both groups improved hemoglobin A1c level at 12 and 24 weeks. Conclusions mHealth using MyFitnessPal, smart scale, and text messages may be effective for improving aspects of cardiometabolic health in rural Hispanic/Latino adults.