Health4MePLUS: a smartphone app to improve heart health and mental wellbeing of young people

Doctor Rebecca Raeside, University of Sydney

Vanguard Grant

Years funded: 2026 - 2027

Whilst adolescent populations are generally free from cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are not free from risk of CVD. Up to 80% of heart disease is preventable through protective behaviours that support heart health, like regular physical activity and a nutritious diet. However, over 94% of Australian adolescents are not meeting national guidelines for heart-protective behaviours. Adolescents are digital natives, with 91% owning a smartphone. To promote heart health among adolescents, we must address gaps in our health system where there is a lack of community-based digital health programs which are accessible and equitable.

The Health4Me intervention is a set of CVD prevention text messages co-designed with adolescents (12-18 years old), which provided evidenced-based support to improve their heart health. Trial results showed positive trends in improving dietary behaviours and it was deemed acceptable and useful. There was also high demand, with 390 adolescents signing up in 12 months. However, participant feedback showed the need to enhance personalisation of the intervention in terms of both content and delivery. A mobile app was commonly suggested. Therefore, this project will develop Health4MePLUS, expanding the original intervention to improve engagement and impact through two interconnected aims:

1. To co-create the Health4MePLUS mobile application with adolescents and a technology partner 2. To determine the feasibility of delivering Health4MePLUS to adolescent populations, and potential to improve wellbeing

We will achieve this by 1) working with 16 adolescents as co-researchers and a technology partner to co-create Health4MePLUS mobile app through 6 co-creation workshops, and 2) recruit 100 adolescents including priority populations to test out the app for 12-weeks. Outcomes include feasibility, app quality, app engagement, and whether it can improve heart health outcomes (e.g. wellbeing).

This project will help drive real-world impact through digital programs that prevent heart disease in adolescents. The strength of our approach lies in working closely with both adolescents and our technology partner to co-create a mobile app which is both accessible and equitable. Results will be presented to the scientific community (conferences, research articles) and through public engagement (social media, stakeholder presentations). The improved Health4MePLUS program will be ready for testing in a large, national implementation trial. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure all Australian adolescents have access to effective and equitable ways to improve their heart health, leading to long-term reductions in heart disease – and supporting the Heart Foundations mission “to make 2050 the heart healthiest year ever”.