Abstract P3096: Barriers Associated with The Use of Smart Blood Pressure Monitors Among Minority Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Smart blood pressure monitors (SBPMs) are increasingly used among older adults to monitor hypertension, improve health and independence, and decrease hospitalization cost. However, low usage of SBPMs among African American and Latinx is concerning. Beyond sociodemographic factors, reasons for SBPMs use and non-use among minority older patients are not well understood. This study aims to identify barriers associated to the use of SBPMs through conducting an exploratory interview study. Methods: An interview study was conducted with 20 English speaking minority older patients (age 60+) who have hypertension and were prescribed a SBPM. The digital literacy framework as well as Andersen’s expanded model, which identifies psychosocial, enabling, and need factors as mutable factors in health service utilization, were used to guide the study. Data were analyzed using content analysis and mapped to Andersen’s model. Results: The average age of participants was 70.7 (M = 70.7, SD = 10.3). The majority were African American (n = 19; 95%) and female (n = 11; 55%). By applying Andersen’s expanded model, we identified barriers related to the mutable factors. The findings revealed that 18 (90%) participants experienced device malfunctions and other technical problems, such as issues with device accuracy and using wrong sized cuff. 12 (60%) participants indicated gaps in knowledge, expressing that they had never heard of smart health devices before. Also, 7 (35%) participants experienced accessibility challenges, such as missing reminder messages. 6 (30%) participants were concerned about affordability of the SBPMs and would only continue using SBPMs if it remained financially accessible. Lastly, 4 (20%) participants experienced psychological barriers, such as stress and mental load associated with regularly monitoring their health. Conclusion: This study highlights the barriers minority older adults have experienced when using SBPMS to monitor their health. Although SBPMs empower minority older adults to take proactive roles to monitor their own health, these barriers could hinder their willingness to use SBPMs as intended. Identifying these barriers provides a starting point for clinicians to implement strategies and collaborate with other health professions to enhance utilization of SBPMs among minority older adults, ensuring equitable access.