Acceptance, Needs, and Demands for Nutritional mHealth Support in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death globally. Managing risk factors and preventing atherosclerosis and its progress, especially with lifestyle changes, are highly important. Smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) strategies allow easily accessible assistance for healthy nutrition. This study aimed to assess the acceptance and outline the 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 electronic health (eHealth) data were assessed. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of acceptance.

High acceptance for nutritional mHealth was reported by 88.4% (n = 274). Significant predictors of acceptance were age (β = -0.01, p = 0.002), diabetes (β = 0.20, p = 0.041), depressive symptoms (β = -0.02, p = 0.017), digital confidence (β = 0.17, p = 0.001), Internet anxiety (β = -0.18, p = 0.004), and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) predictors effort expectancy (β = 0.23, p < 0.001) and social influence (β = 0.53, p < 0.001). Preferences included handheld devices, permanent use (86.5%), and weekly (44.5%) new content of 10 to 30 min (79%).

These results summarize the patients' preferences for individualized mHealth tools to ensure their effectiveness. Especially regarding the secondary prevention of CVDs, 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 a focus on nutritional support in patients with CVDs.