Advancing New Approaches to Hypertension Screening

Kenyan health advocate and digital health innovator Ogweno Stephen has contributed to newly published research examining emerging technologies for blood pressure screening. The study, titled “Comparison of Transdermal Optical Imaging and Conventional Handcuff Methods for Blood Pressure Screening: A Cross-Sectional Study,” appears in the London Journal of Medical & Health Research, Volume 26, Issue 1.

The research explores the potential of Transdermal Optical Imaging (TOI) technology as a tool for screening hypertension, one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease globally. The study evaluates the performance of the Lifesten app, a digital health platform connected to the broader work of Lifesten Health.

The publication represents another step in Stephen’s broader mission to expand access to health screening and preventive care through digital innovation.

Addressing the Global Burden of Non Communicable Diseases

Non communicable diseases remain one of the greatest public health challenges of the twenty first century. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer account for more than seventy percent of deaths worldwide.

Stephen’s work has long focused on addressing this growing crisis. Through his leadership at Stowelink Foundation, he has led several initiatives aimed at improving awareness, prevention, and patient support for people living with chronic conditions. Platforms connected to this work include NCDs 365, My Heart Ke, and other digital tools designed to support patients and strengthen health education.

The new research builds on this foundation by exploring how emerging technologies could make early detection more accessible, especially in communities where traditional medical equipment may be difficult to access.

Study Design and Methodology

The study was conducted as a cross sectional analysis in Kigali, Rwanda, focusing on adults aged between 18 and 45 years. Participants were recruited through social media campaigns, community outreach efforts, and targeted public engagement.

A total of 384 participants were included in the study. The sample consisted of 229 male participants, representing 59.63 percent, and 155 female participants, representing 40.37 percent. The majority of participants fell within the 18 to 27 year age group.

Each participant underwent blood pressure measurement using two different methods. The first method used the Lifesten app, which applies Transdermal Optical Imaging technology to estimate blood pressure. The second method used a traditional cuff based blood pressure device, which remains the standard approach in most clinical settings.

Researchers used SPSS statistical software to analyze the data and compare the readings generated by the two methods.

Key Findings from the Study

The results showed measurable differences between the two screening approaches.

For the general participant population, the Lifesten app recorded an average systolic pressure of 111.45 mmHg and an average diastolic pressure of 74.75 mmHg. The traditional cuff device recorded 116.78 mmHg systolic and 75.71 mmHg diastolic.

These results represented a 4.56 percent difference for systolic pressure and a 1.27 percent difference for diastolic pressure.

A subgroup analysis focused on 12 participants who had hypertension. In this group, the Lifesten app recorded 114.17 mmHg systolic and 75.67 mmHg diastolic, compared with 140.17 mmHg systolic and 80.00 mmHg diastolic using the conventional device.

Researchers also evaluated measurement accuracy using mean absolute error metrics. The systolic mean absolute error was 11.68 mmHg, with a mean absolute percentage error of 9.63 percent. For diastolic measurements, the mean absolute error was 8.66 mmHg, with a mean absolute percentage error of 11.63 percent.

Implications for Digital Health Innovation

The study concludes that the Lifesten app demonstrates potential as a screening tool for hypertension, particularly in settings where access to traditional equipment may be limited.

However, researchers also noted that algorithm improvements will be necessary to improve accuracy and ensure that digital screening tools can be safely used for clinical decision making.

For Stephen, the research represents part of a broader effort to explore how digital technologies can strengthen prevention and early detection for chronic diseases. Many health systems across Africa face shortages of equipment, healthcare workers, and diagnostic tools. Mobile based screening technologies could help bridge some of these gaps.

Linking Research to Public Health Impact

Stephen’s involvement in this research reflects his continued effort to bridge public health advocacy, technology innovation, and academic research.

His work through Stowelink Foundation and Lifesten Health has focused on ensuring that digital tools do not simply exist as technological experiments but become practical solutions that can improve health outcomes in real communities.

As global health systems search for scalable ways to address non communicable diseases, research like this helps evaluate whether emerging technologies can play a meaningful role in prevention and early detection.

The study adds to the growing body of evidence exploring how digital health platforms may support more accessible and affordable screening methods in the future.

https://journalspress.com/comparison-of-transdermal-optical-imaging-and-conventional-handcuff-methods-for-blood-pressure-screening-a-cross-sectional-study/