Ahimsa Sathyakumar
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Lenette Jones
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Health Behavior and Biological Sciences / Nursing
Program: CG
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors: Ahimsa Sathyakumar , Kabreah Gunter , Priya Tripathi , Lenette Jones
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension, a risk factor for advanced cardiovascular disease, disproportionately affects African American women compared to other groups. Previous research suggests that self-management of hypertension may be challenging, yet mobile applications can help to empower patients and increase adherence to hypertension treatment. Purpose: To evaluate the usability of the WHISE (Wellness, Hypertension, Information sharing, Self-Management, Education) mobile application (app) for African American women with hypertension and their peers. Methods: Using guidelines from usability.gov, we developed questions for evaluating the WHISE app. We posted a flyer on Facebook to recruit potential users. Individuals who were interested completed an eligibility survey and submitted their contact information via Qualtrics. We called potential users to reconfirm eligibility, request contact information for chosen peers, and provide access to a prototype of WHISE app. Five potential users (African American women aged 18-65 years, diagnosed with hypertension, lived in Southeast Michigan) and two peers participated in an hour-long Zoom call; a total of 15 participants evaluated the app. Four research team members participated in each Zoom call, each with different roles in evaluating participants’ experiences. Result: Of the 15 participants, the mean age was 42.6 years (SD = 13.6) and 37.5% of their peers were men. Participants were generally satisfied, with 80% having no recommendations to improve the app. The most common suggestions were: “Make the font bigger or add a zoom-in function” and “add a tutorial section.” Overall, 80% of participants felt the application was user-friendly, educational, and helpful in hypertension self-management. Conclusion: During usability testing, we received valuable feedback on the content and design of the WHISE app. We used this feedback to refine the app and are preparing to deploy it in randomized controlled trial with 50 African American women with hypertension.
