Evaluating the impact of the DASH diet on blood pressure utilizing an interactive mobile app in a faith-based community

AbstractPurpose of the Project: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate the impact of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, delivered through an interactive mobile application, on weight and blood pressure (BP) in a predominantly African American faith-based community. The project sought to address the high prevalence of hypertension and obesity within this population by increasing access to evidence-based dietary education and support.Procedures: Using a quasi-experimental design, thirty-nine eligible adults from a Northern New Jersey church community were enrolled in a 12-week mobile application-based DASH diet intervention program. While using the mobile application, participants received biweekly support, followed the DASH diet recommendation, tracked their food intake, and monitored progress. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, and the Healthy Eating and Weight Self-Efficacy (HEWSE) scale. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics.Results: Participants experienced statistically significant improvements in all measured outcomes. Average weight decreased by 5.63 lbs (p = 0.0014), systolic BP reduced by 6.13 mmHg (p = 0.0062), and diastolic BP decreased by 2.92 mmHg (p = 0.0304). HEWSE scores indicated enhanced confidence in healthy eating and weight management, with composite scores for healthy food consumption increasing by 4.59 points and for weight management by 2.77 points (p < 0.0001). Participants found the mobile app user-friendly and culturally inclusive.Implications for Practice: In faith-based communities, mobile health applications incorporating DASH diet education can effectively support dietary behavior change, weight loss, and BP control. Clinicians and community health programs should consider integrating mobile dietary education tools into routine care, especially within culturally connected environments like faith-based settings.