OBJECTIVE: This was a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of developing a low-cost mobile technology-based intervention to encourage blood pressure (BP) monitoring and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. METHODS: This was a prospective, controlled, randomized, non-blinding feasibility study that involved the use of electronic BP monitor and smartphone. Eligible participants in the intervention group were instructed to send the BP measurements to members of the LifeAPP team digitally from an application for smartphones linked to the BP device by Bluetooth and also via WhatsApp. The LifeAPP team sent feedback containing information as follows: a) safety of the BP levels; b) motivational messages aiming at maintaining self-monitoring; c) motivational messages aiming at the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits. The primary outcome was feasibility: recruitment capacity, retention, and compliance with follow-up rates. RESULTS: Between 1 June 2020 and 24 January 2021, 48 participants were randomized to the intervention group, and 48 participants were randomized to the control group. The recruitment capacity of the participating centers proved to be adequate. Among the participants recruited for intervention group, 21 (43.7%) attended predefined visits at 3 months and only 12 (25%) attended predefined visits at 6 months. Similar loss to follow-up was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: Despite successful recruitment of a cohort of women following preterm preeclampsia, there was no sufficient retention of participants. Therefore, new strategies for long-term follow-up of women who developed preeclampsia are needed before a further study in this group of patients can be contemplated.
Journal article
Hypertens Pregnancy
12/2025
44
Preeclampsia, cardiovascular disease, gestational hypertension, healthy lifestyle, self-monitoring of blood pressure, Humans, Female, Pregnancy, Pre-Eclampsia, Feasibility Studies, Adult, Pilot Projects, Mobile Applications, Prospective Studies, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory, Smartphone, Blood Pressure