Stephanie M Lopez Neyman | Utilizing mHealth technology to tackle cardiovascular disease health dis

Stephanie M. Lopez-Neyman, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, United States Title: Utilizing mHealth technology to tackle cardiovascular disease health disparities in racial and ethnic minorities: a multilevel strategy Abstract: Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States, particularly non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as promising tools for improving access to care, enhancing healthcare delivery, and supporting better cardiovascular outcomes in underserved populations. However, significant barriers remain that limit the equitable use and effectiveness of digital health interventions. This editorial commentary discusses current evidence regarding the role of mHealth technologies in addressing cardiovascular health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. Existing literature demonstrates that digital health interventions can positively impact cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. At the same time, challenges including limited access to technology, low health literacy, mistrust of online health information, and disparities in technology utilization continue to hinder implementation and effectiveness in underserved populations. The commentary further emphasizes the importance of applying structured frameworks and multilevel strategies to guide the equitable development, evaluation, and implementation of mHealth interventions. Frameworks incorporating social determinants of health, behavioral medicine principles, and digital health equity models are highlighted as approaches to improve intervention reach and sustainability. A multilevel approach addressing individual-, community-, and policy-level factors is presented as essential for reducing disparities related to mHealth utilization. Tailoring interventions to patients’ beliefs, cultural contexts, health literacy, and community support may improve the effectiveness of mHealth technologies among racial and ethnic minority populations. Implementing policy changes alongside community partnerships may help reduce the digital divide and improve cardiovascular health equity as the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse. Biography Dr. Lopez-Neyman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, College of Health Professions, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention, nutrition epidemiology, mHealth technologies, implementation science, and health equity among underserved populations. Her work integrates multilevel and community-engaged strategies to address chronic disease disparities through culturally tailored interventions. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented research related to cardiovascular health and chronic disease prevention. #CardioWorldCongress2026 #WCAC2026 #Cardiology2026 #Cardiology #CardiovascularResearch #Cardiologist #HeartDisease #HeartHealth #CardiologyConference #MedicalConference #Healthcare #CardiologyEducation #PreventiveCardiology #Rome #HybridConference #CardioWorldCongress