Adherence with physical activity monitoring wearable devices in a community-based population: observations from the Washington, D.C., Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment

Transl Behav Med. 2017 Dec;7(4):719-730. doi: 10.1007/s13142-016-0454-0.

Abstract

Wearable mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer approaches for targeting physical activity (PA) in resource-limited, community-based interventions. We sought to explore user characteristics of PA tracking, wearable technology among a community-based population within a health and needs assessment. In 2014-2015, we conducted the Washington, D.C., Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment in predominantly African-American churches among communities with higher obesity rates and lower household incomes. Participants received a mHealth PA monitor and wirelessly uploaded PA data weekly to church data collection hubs. Participants (n = 99) were 59 ± 12 years, 79% female, and 99% African-American, with a mean body mass index of 33 ± 7 kg/m2. Eighty-one percent of participants uploaded PA data to the hub and were termed "PA device users." Though PA device users were more likely to report lower household incomes, no differences existed between device users and non-users for device ownership or technology fluency. Findings suggest that mHealth systems with a wearable device and data collection hub may feasibly target PA in resource-limited communities.

Keywords: Activity monitoring; African-American; Community-based participatory research; Obesity; Physical activity; mHealth technology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Christianity
  • District of Columbia
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Fitness Trackers*
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Obesity
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Poverty
  • Telemedicine
  • Vulnerable Populations
  • Wireless Technology*