Does the Use of Health Apps to Monitor Hypertension Improve the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of African-Americans towards Hypertension Self- and Active-Management

Abstract

Showcase: Does the Use of Health Apps to Monitor Hypertension Improve the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of African-Americans towards Hypertension Self- and Active-Management First Author: Jacquetta Lindsey Co-author: Awatef Ben Ramadan Background: Despite the many medical advancements available today, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the African American community. Hypertension is considered the most modifiable cardiovascular disease, and African Americans are disproportionately affected by this disease � 43% compared to 28% of White Americans. Study Aim: To determine if the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of African Americans towards hypertension self-management and active engagement in the healthcare process improved with the use of a mobile health application to monitor their condition. Methods: Study participants were recruited from community-based resources. Participants first completed a pre-survey to determine their baseline KAP. Next, they downloaded the AVAX Blood Pressure Diary to daily monitor their blood pressure. Lastly, participants completed the post-survey and system user satisfaction (SUS) survey on the blood pressure application. Results: Majority of the participants were women (70%) with 50% on medication for their hypertension. Most of the participants (87.5%) believed that their hypertension was better managed after using the health app. The average SUS score for the hypertension mobile health application was 89.75. Conclusion: It appears that the mobile health application assisted participants with monitoring their blood pressure daily and being aware of changes that needed to be made to improve their self-management.