https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-025-02625-4
1Universitätsklinikum Essen Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie Essen, Deutschland; 2LVR-Universitätsklinik Essen Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie Essen, Deutschland
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are globally the leading causes of death. Managing risk factors, preventing atherosclerosis and its progress especially with lifestyle changes are highly important. Smartphone-based mHealth strategies allow easily accessible assistance for a healthy nutrition. This study aims to assess acceptance and outline needs and demands for a nutritional mHealth tool by analyzing the desired characteristics.
A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and September 2023 targeting 398 individuals with atherosclerosis. Acceptance, needs and demands regarding mHealth, sociodemographic, medical, psychometric, and eHealth data were assessed. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of acceptance.
High acceptance for nutritional mHealth was reported by 88.4% (n = 274). Significant predictors of acceptance were age (β = -.01, p = .002), diabetes (β = .20, p = .041), depressive symptoms (β = -.02, p = .017), digital confidence (β = .17, p = .001), Internet anxiety (β = -.18, p = .004), and the UTAUT predictors effort expectancy (β = .23, p < .001), and social influence (β = .53, p < .001). Preferences included handheld devices, permanent use (86.5%) and weekly (44.5%) new content of 10 to 30 minutes (79%).
These results summarize patients’ preferences for individualized mHealth tools to ensure their effectiveness. Especially regarding secondary prevention of CVD mHealth can be a helpful resource. The high acceptance rate and specific preferences outlined in this study form a strong basis for the development of mHealth tools with focus on nutritional support in patients with CVD.