300028
Optimizing the use of technology to promote physical activity in resource-limited communities: Insights from the Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment in Washington D.C
Resource-limited communities with inadequate access to physical activity (PA) facilities tend to have disproportionately higher rates of obesity and obesity-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Washington D.C. These residents may also have limited internet access. We have developed community-based methods using technology to objectively evaluate and promote PA in resource- and internet-limited Washington D.C. communities.
Purpose:
This community-based pilot study evaluates use of PA-monitoring wristbands and web-based technology by church-based populations in resource-limited Washington D.C. wards. Three participating churches will serve as sites for centrally-located hubs to facilitate data uploading and utilization of web-based tools for monitoring PA and other CV health factors.
Methods:
Nine participants will wear a PA-monitoring wristband collecting accelerometer-based data, including PA amount and intensity, for two weeks. Participants are encouraged to upload data weekly to a wireless hub located in each participant’s church. Participants receive a secure online account to log and monitor health information using church-based computers. We will determine the frequency at which participants upload and monitor PA data and log other CV health factors on the website. Utilization frequency will be compared across baseline participant characteristics. A moderated focus group will generate qualitative data about participants’ experiences.
Results:
Outcomes of this study include descriptive statistics characterizing PA-monitoring wristband and web-based tool usage. Focus group data will identify facilitators and barriers to using wristbands and church-based hubs, eliciting participants’ perspectives on device use for future community-based interventions.
Discussion:
This study will illuminate advantages and challenges of implementing a technology-driven community-based intervention in a resource-limited setting. By using centrally-located data collection hubs in readily accessible locations, we hope to facilitate technology use and reduce access barriers. If PA-monitoring wristband use is optimized, this technology-driven model can connect at-risk populations in resource-limited communities to educational tools to increase PA, potentially reducing CV health disparities.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationChronic disease management and prevention
Communication and informatics
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Describe strategies for piloting and evaluating a technology-driven community-based intervention for promoting physical activity.
Identify barriers to medical device use in resource-limited communities.
Discuss specific strategies to overcome barriers to device use in resource-limited communities.
Keyword(s): Technology, Community-Based Research (CBPR)
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a MD/MPH candidate completing thesis research as an MRSP fellow at the NIH. My research focuses on social determinants of obesity and cardiovascular risk, and I am an AI for the Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment in Washington D.C. My scientific interests include health disparities and community-based participatory research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.