February 14, 2024 | Miriam E. Katz, MPH; Reed Mszar, MPH; Alyssa A. Grimshaw, MSLIS; Craig G. Gunderson, MD; Oyere K. Onuma, MD, MSc; Yuan Lu, ScD; Erica S. Spatz, MD, MHS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies involving 8257 participants found that digital health interventions significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in populations experiencing health disparities. The mean SBP reduction at 6 months was -4.24 mm Hg (95% CI, -7.33 to -1.14 mm Hg; P = .01) and at 12 months was -4.30 mm Hg (95% CI, -7.40 to -1.00 mm Hg; P = .001) compared to standard care. Most studies used multicomponent interventions, including remote BP monitoring, community health workers, and culturally tailored approaches. These interventions showed greater effectiveness in reducing SBP in populations with health disparities. The study highlights the potential of digital health to improve hypertension outcomes and reduce disparities. Key findings include significant SBP reductions in both 6- and 12-month follow-ups, with most studies incorporating remote BP monitoring, community health workers, and culturally tailored messaging. The study also notes that while some studies reported BP changes beyond 1 year, the majority focused on shorter-term outcomes. The results suggest that digital health interventions can be effective in managing hypertension in populations with health disparities, particularly when tailored to cultural and social factors. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally tailored digital health interventions in addressing health disparities.A systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies involving 8257 participants found that digital health interventions significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in populations experiencing health disparities. The mean SBP reduction at 6 months was -4.24 mm Hg (95% CI, -7.33 to -1.14 mm Hg; P = .01) and at 12 months was -4.30 mm Hg (95% CI, -7.40 to -1.00 mm Hg; P = .001) compared to standard care. Most studies used multicomponent interventions, including remote BP monitoring, community health workers, and culturally tailored approaches. These interventions showed greater effectiveness in reducing SBP in populations with health disparities. The study highlights the potential of digital health to improve hypertension outcomes and reduce disparities. Key findings include significant SBP reductions in both 6- and 12-month follow-ups, with most studies incorporating remote BP monitoring, community health workers, and culturally tailored messaging. The study also notes that while some studies reported BP changes beyond 1 year, the majority focused on shorter-term outcomes. The results suggest that digital health interventions can be effective in managing hypertension in populations with health disparities, particularly when tailored to cultural and social factors. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally tailored digital health interventions in addressing health disparities.