Wearable devices have gained popularity as tools for activity and health monitoring. However, a recent cross-sectional study focusing on wearable device use among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has revealed significant disparities influenced by demographic and socioeconomic factors. The findings shed light on the importance of understanding the sociodemographic patterns of wearable device use and addressing disparities to achieve equitable healthcare outcomes.
The study utilized data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), which is a nationally representative survey of health technology utilization among community-dwelling adults. The study included adult participants from HINTS 2019 and 2020 and identified individuals with self-reported CVD or at least one CVD risk factor. Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between individual features and wearable device use.
The study consisted of 9,303 participants with a mean age of 48.8 years, of which 10.0% had CVD and 55.7% were at risk for CVD. Among the respondents who answered the wearable use survey question, 25.8% reported using wearable devices for health and activity monitoring over the prior 12 months. This corresponds to a weighted estimate of 29% of US adults. In comparison, only 18.3% of participants with CVD reported using wearable devices (weighted estimate 18% of US adults), and 23.2% of those at risk for CVD reported device use (weighted estimate 26% of US adults).
The study findings indicated that individuals with or at risk for CVD were significantly less likely to use wearable devices compared to those without CVD or CVD risk factors. However, after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, no significant differences were observed between the groups. This suggests that the disparities in wearable device use among cardiovascular patients are influenced by sociodemographic factors.
Several demographic and socioeconomic factors were found to be associated with lower wearable device use among cardiovascular patients. These included older age, presence of diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, lower educational attainment, and lower household income. Conversely, non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity was associated with higher device use among cardiovascular patients.
The study’s findings raise important considerations for achieving digital health equity. While access to wearable devices among key sociodemographic groups is crucial, it is equally important to address the issue of frequency of use. The study revealed that individuals with CVD used their wearable devices less frequently than other groups. Potential factors contributing to this lower frequency of use include issues of connectivity, perceived lack of value, and usability.
To address these disparities and achieve equitable healthcare outcomes, a multifaceted approach is required. Strategies such as implementing loaner programs or collaborating with insurance companies can help improve accessibility to wearable devices. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance usability and connectivity, taking into account the specific needs of diverse populations, including individuals with visual, auditory, or fine motor impairments.
The study highlights significant disparities in wearable device use among cardiovascular patients, influenced by demographic and socioeconomic factors. Understanding these patterns is crucial for achieving digital health equity and ensuring that all patient populations have access to and benefit from wearable technology. By addressing these disparities, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards maximizing the potential of wearable devices in monitoring and managing cardiovascular health, ultimately improving outcomes for patients across the socioeconomic spectrum.
