Impact of mHealth Interventions on Supporting Dietary Adherence in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: A systematic review was conducted to determine if mobile health (mHealth) interventions, and which intervention characteristics, effectively support dietary adherence and reduce risk factors in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Method: Using 7 databases, studies involving adult participants with specific CVD diagnoses, mHealth intervention testing, and dietary adherence assessment were identified. Systematic reviews, qualitative studies, or studies testing interventions involving open dialogue between participants and health care providers or researchers were excluded. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and assessed the risk of bias.

Results: Thirteen studies involved participants with prehypertension (n = 1), hypertension (n = 9), coronary artery disease (n = 2), and heart failure (n = 1). mHealth interventions in 8 studies improved dietary adherence, 4 showed mixed results, and 1 showed no improvements. Eight studies found interactive text and/or application-based mHealth intervention features effectively improved dietary adherence. One study had a low risk of bias, 2 had some concerns/moderate risk, and 10 had a high/critical or serious risk.

Discussion: In most included studies, mHealth interventions positively impacted dietary adherence for patients with CVD.

Implications for research and practice: Clinicians may recommend mHealth interventions to support nutrition education and self-management for their patients with CVD.

Keywords: coronary artery disease; diet; heart failure; hypertension; mobile health.