JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lifestyle modification programs play a critical role in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. A key aim of many programs is improving patients’ self-efficacy. In-person lifestyle modification programs can improve self-efficacy for managing cardiovascular disease risk, otherwise known as cardiac self-efficacy. However, such programs are typically staffing and resource intensive. Digital lifestyle modification programs may offer a scalable and accessible way to improve cardiac self-efficacy, but this has not been shown in prior research.

Objective:

This study examined changes in cardiac self-efficacy among individuals using a digital lifestyle modification program for cardiovascular health. Evaluation of improvement in cardiac self-efficacy was a secondary goal of a feasibility and acceptability pilot study of a digital program for Heart Health.

Methods:

Participants enrolled in a pilot study that involved mobile app-based artificial intelligence-powered health coaching and educational lessons focused on behaviors that promote cardiovascular health. Participants completed the 9-item Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale at baseline and in month 2. Changes in confidence in participants’ ability to manage their cardiovascular health were assessed.

Results:

The sample included 273 participants (61.2% female, M age = 59.3) who submitted a complete Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale at baseline and in month 2. Total Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale score increased by 12.9% (p <.001) from baseline to month 2. Additionally, there were significant increases in mean score on each of the nine individual Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale items (ps <.001), with the largest increases in confidence “in knowing when to call or visit the doctor for your heart disease” (17.0% increase; p <.001), “in knowing how much physical activity is good for you” (16.3% increase; p <.001), and “that you can get regular aerobic exercise” (19.0% increase; p <.001).

Conclusions:

The present analyses indicate that participants in a digital lifestyle modification program for cardiovascular health showed significant improvements in cardiac self-efficacy within a two-month period. This work adds to the growing literature examining ways to improve health-related self-efficacy and scalable access to programs for prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.