[Acceptability of a mobile health based intervention to modify lifestyles in prehypertensive patients in Argentina, Guatemala and Peru: a pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of an intervention based on mobile health, for the adoption of healthy lifestyles in prehypertensive people living in low-income urban areas in Argentina, Guatemala and Peru.


METHODS
Prehypertensive people aged 30-60 years were recruited for a pilot study. The intervention included two counseling calls made by a nutritionist followed by a weekly customized text message. An internet-based platform offered support for the implementation of the intervention. Using semi-structured interviews, we evaluated the reach and acceptability of the intervention in the participants and ease of use for the nutritionists.


RESULTS
It was possible to contact 43 of the 45 participants (95%). The average number of calls to contact a subject was two, with a range of 1-9 calls. Two participants could not be reached on their cell phone; five did not receive complete exposure to the intervention. Based on semi-structured interviews, the results showed good acceptability for the intervention by the participants. Nutritionists perceived the platform as friendly and easy to use. Barriers to deliver this intervention were related to difficulties in obtaining an adequate cellular signal.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the high penetration of mobile phones in developing countries, it is concluded that it is feasible and acceptable to offer a mobile health based intervention oriented towards lifestyle modification in people with prehypertension or high risk of chronic disease intervention.
Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para el Cono Sur, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Argentina.
Andrea
A
Beratarrechea
Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para el Cono Sur, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Argentina.
Francisco
F
Diez-Canseco
Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para el Cono Sur, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Argentina.
Ariel
A
Fernández
Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para el Cono Sur, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Argentina.
Rebeca
R
Kanter
Centro de Investigación Integral del INCAP para la Prevención de las Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Nutrición de Centro América y Panamá, Guatemala.
Paola
P
Letona
Corporacion RAND, EE.UU.
Homero
H
Martinez
Centro de Excelencia en Enfermedades Crónicas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
J Jaime
JJ
Miranda
Centro de Investigación Integral del INCAP para la Prevención de las Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Nutrición de Centro América y Panamá, Guatemala.
Manuel
M
Ramirez-Zea
Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para el Cono Sur, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Argentina.
Adolfo
A
Rubinstein
D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina; D040421:Cell Phone; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010568:Peru; D010865:Pilot Projects; D058246:Prehypertension / Q000628:therapy*; D017216:Telemedicine