Other Titles
A WhatsApp-Based mHealth Strategy to Address Metabolic Syndrome in South Asian Immigrants: A PhD Dissertation Proposal [Poster Title]
Abstract
Background: South Asian immigrants (SAIs) in the US have a disproportionately high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), leading to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Increased waist circumference and early-onset heart disease further potentiate health disparities, underscoring the need for culturally tailored interventions. Digital health interventions (DHIs) have been recognized for their potential to effectively support lifestyle modifications in minority populations, including SAIs, by providing accessible and culturally tailored health management solutions.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored digital health intervention (CT-mHealth) in reducing MetS among SAIs in Hudson Valley, NY. By incorporating culturally relevant dietary modifications, physical activity, and community support via a digital platform, the intervention aims to improve engagement, adherence, and metabolic health outcomes.
Specific Aims: This study aims to assess adherence to CT-mHealth intervention, changes in MetS parameters, dietary habits, and physical activity using self-reports and fitness trackers. It also aims to evaluate the role of acculturation in moderating intervention outcomes. Furthermore, it also aims to analyze how demographic factors, including age, gender, income, education, acculturation, and time in the US, influence recruitment, retention, and engagement.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design will be implemented, enrolling SAIs and randomly assigning them to either a 6-month CT-mHealth intervention group or a standard care control group.
Data to be Collected: Data collection will involve self-reported dietary assessments, physical activity tracking using FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker, and biometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, Hgb A1c). Acculturation levels will be assessed via the Traditional Cultural Belief Scale to determine its influence on intervention outcomes.
Notes
Reference list included in separate file attached to this item record.
Sigma Membership
Omega Delta
Lead Author Affiliation
Pace University, New York, New York, USA
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Approach
Quantitative Research
Keywords:
Metabolic Syndrome, Asians, Immigrants, South Asia, United States, Mobile Apps, Mobile Health
Recommended Citation
Islam, Amir U.; Wexler, Sharon; Drury, Lin; and Stahl, Jeffery A., "Digital Empowerment for South Asian Immigrants: An Intervention for Metabolic Syndrome (DESI-METS)" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 5.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/posters_2026/5
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-07-20
Digital Empowerment for South Asian Immigrants: An Intervention for Metabolic Syndrome (DESI-METS)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: South Asian immigrants (SAIs) in the US have a disproportionately high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), leading to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Increased waist circumference and early-onset heart disease further potentiate health disparities, underscoring the need for culturally tailored interventions. Digital health interventions (DHIs) have been recognized for their potential to effectively support lifestyle modifications in minority populations, including SAIs, by providing accessible and culturally tailored health management solutions.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored digital health intervention (CT-mHealth) in reducing MetS among SAIs in Hudson Valley, NY. By incorporating culturally relevant dietary modifications, physical activity, and community support via a digital platform, the intervention aims to improve engagement, adherence, and metabolic health outcomes.
Specific Aims: This study aims to assess adherence to CT-mHealth intervention, changes in MetS parameters, dietary habits, and physical activity using self-reports and fitness trackers. It also aims to evaluate the role of acculturation in moderating intervention outcomes. Furthermore, it also aims to analyze how demographic factors, including age, gender, income, education, acculturation, and time in the US, influence recruitment, retention, and engagement.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design will be implemented, enrolling SAIs and randomly assigning them to either a 6-month CT-mHealth intervention group or a standard care control group.
Data to be Collected: Data collection will involve self-reported dietary assessments, physical activity tracking using FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker, and biometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, Hgb A1c). Acculturation levels will be assessed via the Traditional Cultural Belief Scale to determine its influence on intervention outcomes.
Description
South Asian immigrants in the United States have a high risk of metabolic syndrome and related cardiometabolic disease. This randomized controlled trial evaluates a 6-month culturally tailored mobile health intervention in the Hudson Valley, New York. Outcomes include adherence, changes in BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, HbA1c, diet, physical activity, and the moderating role of acculturation on engagement and health outcomes.