# Exploring Disparities in Healthcare Wearable Use among Cardiovascular Patients: Findings from a National Survey

## TL;DR

This study finds that only 18% of cardiovascular disease patients use healthcare wearables, with disparities based on gender, age, race, and income.

## Contribution

The study identifies socio-demographic and health-related factors influencing wearable device use among cardiovascular patients using a national survey.

## Key findings

- 18.34% of CVD patients used healthcare wearables in the past year, with 41.92% using them daily.
- Female, younger, higher-income, and healthier patients are more likely to use wearables.
- Hispanic and African American patients are significantly less likely to use wearables compared to non-Hispanic White patients.

## Abstract

Use of healthcare wearable devices holds significant
potential for improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases
(CVD). However, we have limited knowledge on the actual use of wearable devices
by CVD patients and the key factors associated with their use. This study aims to
assess wearable device use and willingness to share health data among CVD
patients, while identifying socio-demographic, health, and technology-related
factors associated with wearable technology use.

Using a
national survey of 933 CVD patients, we assess use of wearable healthcare devices
(use, frequency of use and willingness to share health data from wearable with a
provider), and a set of socio-demographic factors (age, gender, race, education
and household income), health-related variables (general health, presence of
comorbid conditions: diabetes and high blood pressure, attitude towards exercise)
and technology self-efficacy using logistic regression.

Of the
933 CVD patients, 18.34% reported using a healthcare wearable device in the
prior 12 months. Of those, 41.92% indicated using it every day and another
19.76% indicated using it ‘almost every day’. 83.54% of wearable users
indicated their willingness to share health data with their healthcare providers.
Female CVD patients are more likely to use wearables compared to men (odds ratio
(OR) = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.63). The odds decrease with
age, and are significantly high in patients with higher income levels. In
comparison with non-Hispanic White, Hispanic (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03–0.70)
and African Americans (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04–0.86) are less likely to use
healthcare wearables. CVD patients who perceive their general health to be better
(OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.11–1.89) and those who enjoy exercising (OR = 1.76, 95%
CI = 1.22–2.55) are more likely to use wearables. CVD patients who use the
internet for searching for medical information (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.17–3.77)
and those who use electronic means to make appointments with their providers (OR
= 2.35, 95% CI = 1.48–3.74) are more inclined to use wearables.

Addressing low wearable device usage among CVD patients
requires targeted policy interventions to ensure equitable access. Variations in
gender, age, race/ethnicity, and income levels emphasize the need for tailored
strategies. Technological self-efficacy, positive health perceptions, and
exercise enjoyment play significant roles in promoting wearable use. These
insights should guide healthcare leaders in designing effective strategies for
integrating wearables into cardiovascular care.