Effectiveness of digital health interventions on community health care among middle-aged and elderly population in Taiwan: 6-month cluster randomized trial (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The aging population and increasing burden of chronic diseases underscore the need for effective community-based health management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of digital health interventions on health outcomes among community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital health intervention using smart devices and physician feedback on health outcomes among community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan. METHODS Four communities in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, were voluntarily recruited. Eligible participants were adults aged ≥50 years who had resided in the community for at least six months. Of the 308 individuals assessed for eligibility, 199 provided informed consent and completed baseline evaluations. During the 6-month intervention period, participants used smart devices to collect monthly physiological data, which were automatically synchronized with a centralized health management platform. Physicians reviewed the data monthly and provided personalized consultations and health education. Primary outcomes—assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months—included anthropometric measures, biochemical indices, electrocardiograms, and health-related questionnaires. RESULTS After 6 months, significant improvements were observed in the proportion of participants with abnormal indicators: blood pressure (53.67% to 34.46%; P<.001), blood glucose (55.93% to 37.85%), uric acid (22.60% to 7.34%; P<.001), total cholesterol (1.69% to 0.00%), BMI (44.07% to 40.11%; P<.001), body fat percentage (62.15% to 55.37%; P<.001), visceral fat rating (42.94% to 39.55%; P<.001), skeletal muscle mass index (4.52% to 2.82%; P<.001), poor self-rated health (11.30% to 5.65%; P<.001), and poor sleep quality (50.28% to 40.11%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The use of cloud-integrated smart devices for community health promotion significantly improved both physical and mental health outcomes in middle-aged and elderly residents.