The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the effects of a theoretically-derived technology-based intervention (called TechSuPPorT) and its associated neurological mechanisms for hypertension self-management in African Americans. The investigators will compare two intervention arms in this study, the Technology-Based Component Only arm (comparison group) and the TechSuPPorT arm (intervention group) in 20 African Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. We aim to: 1. Determine whether there are differences in blood pressure (BP), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological health (affective well-being, depressive cognitions, anxiety) betweenTechSuPPorT and the Technology-based Component only arm. 2. Determine whether there are differences in self-management behaviors (medication adherence, diet, exercise, self-monitoring BP) between the two groups. 3. Examine whether self-efficacy, decision-making, motivation, patient activation, and perceived stress, and positive emotions mediate the relationship between the interventions and self-management behaviors. 4. Determine if social support, demographics (age, gender, education), discrimination, and technology utilization moderate self-management behaviors, BP, HRQoL, and psychological health. 5. Explore differences in neural processing (diffusion tensor imaging \[DTI\]/ task positive network \[TPN\] task-differentiation), and stress response (cortisol and inflammation panel) between the two groups.
The investigators will conduct a two-arm randomized clinical trial to compare the effects of an Technology-Based Component Only arm and TechSuPPorT on self-management behaviors, BP control, and HRQoL outcomeson cognitive task switching between the DMN and TPN neural networks using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Both groups will be exposed to the three Technology-based components: (a) six weekly web-based modules focused on improving African Americans' knowledge and skills of hypertension management; (b) personalized medication adherence support (SMS reminder messages, adherence feedback, health and lifestyle tips) through Medisafe, a smartphone app; and (c) self-monitor BP with study provided BP monitor. Participants in the TechSuPPorT arm will receive the three Technology-based components plus positive psychological training, a structured online training and skill building techniques to promote optimism, resilience, well-being, and self-confidence.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
18
This intervention is comprised of three technology components: a) six weekly web-based modules focused on improving knowledge and skills to manage hypertension; (b) personalized medication adherence support (SMS reminder messages, adherence feedback, health and lifestyle tips) through Medisafe app; and (c) self-monitoring blood pressure to support self-managing hypertension.
The TechSupport intervention is the combination of both an behavioral and emotional intervention. Technology-based Components: This intervention is comprised of three technology components: a) six weekly web-based modules focused on improving knowledge and skills to manage hypertension; (b) personalized medication adherence support (SMS reminder messages, adherence feedback, health and lifestyle tips) through Medisafe app; and (c) self-monitoring blood pressure to support self-managing hypertension. Positive Psychological Training (PPT): This intervention will include a structured online training and skill building for PPT accessible by smartphone on techniques to promote optimism, resilience, well-being, and self-confidence.
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Measure of participants' in clinic blood pressure (average of three blood pressure readings)
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks and 12 weeks
PROMIS Global Health-10 [health-related quality of life]
Change in total summed score on PROMIS Global Health-10. Higher scores indicate greater health-related quality of life. Range is 4-20.
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks and 12 weeks
PROMIS Short Form, Positive Affect -15a [positive affect and well-being]
Change in total summed score on PROMIS Short Form, Positive Affect 15a. Higher scores indicate greater positive affect and well being. Range is 15-45.
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks and 12 weeks
PROMIS- 29, Depression Subscale 4a [depressive symptoms]
Change in total summed PROMIS-29, Depression Subscale 4a. Higher scores indicate greater depressive symptoms. Range is 4 to 20.
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks and 12 weeks
PROMIS- 29, Anxiety Subscale 4a [anxiety symptoms]
Change in total summed PROMIS-29, Anxiety subscale. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety. Range is 4-20.
Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks and 12 weeks
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