Socially Distanced Data Collection: Lessons Learned Using Electronic Bluetooth Scales to Assess Weight

• Published in: Health education & behavior Vol. 49; no. 5; pp. 765 - 769
• Main Authors: Bernhart, John A., Fellers, Ashley W., Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle, Wilson, Mary J., Hutto, Brent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2022; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adults; African Americans; Age Differences; Balances (scales); Bluetooth; Body Weight; COVID-19; Data Collection; Electronic Equipment; Email; Feasibility; Females; Gender Differences; Intervention; Measurement Equipment; Measurement Techniques; Pandemics; Program Effectiveness; Reminders; Telecommunications; Telemedicine; feasibility; assessment; intervention; methods
• ISSN: 1090-1981; 1552-6127
• DOI: 10.1177/10901981221104723

Introduction. Electronic Bluetooth scales (e-scales) may be useful for remote weight assessment. This study analyzed predictors of engagement with e-scales and feasibility for remote weight assessment. Method. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, participants (n = 150, 100% African American, 79% female, average age 48.2 ± 10.6 years) in an ongoing trial were invited to receive an e-scale. Participants had 1 month to complete a weigh-in. Email, text, and phone call reminders were sent. Data were analyzed using descriptive approaches and logistic regression. Results. Seventy-five participants (50% of sample) elected to receive an e-scale. Older participants (t = −2.01, p = .05) and a greater proportion of females (χ2 = 7.8, p < .01) signed up to receive an e-scale. An average of 2.6 ± 1.3 reminders was required. Most participants who received an e-scale completed a weigh-in (n = 70). Discussion. Half the sample elected to receive an e-scale. Strategies to increase willingness among men and younger adults to sign up to receive an e-scale are needed.