Using Social Media and Text Messages to Promote Health in African Americans: #HearthealthyandCancerFree

Objective: To test the impact and feasibility of a social media and text messaging intervention promoting self-care resulting in the reduction of multiple CVD and cancer risk factors.

 

Methods:  A one group, pre/post test pilot (n=39). The 3-month intervention consisted of daily text messages, a Facebook page and a blog. Data collection occurred at baseline and at 3-months post baseline and included: height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, BMI, HgA1c, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, heart health and heart disease knowledge, and cancer screening activities.  

 

Results: Study participants were primarily female (69%), aged 58  5 years, who were married (59%) and worked full time (56%). Post intervention, participants experienced significant decreases in waist circumference (41  5 in vs 40  5 in, p = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (147  24 vs 138  20, p = 0.009), diastolic blood pressure (84, interquartile range [IQR] 79-93 vs 82, IQR 77, 90, p = 0.02), total cholesterol (194  35 vs 173  31, p < 0.001), LDL levels(100  31 vs 86  29, p = 0.015), and HDL levels (51, IQR 35, 71, vs 46, IQR 39, 57, p = 0.006). Participants also reported increased heart healthy knowledge. Five participants had colorectal cancer screening, two had prostate cancer screening, and four women had mammograms.

 

Conclusions: Innovative approaches are critical to reduce cancer and cardiovascular risks in vulnerable populations. This pilot demonstrates significant reductions in modifiable risk factors using social media and texting.  These approaches show promise.