(P24-007-23) An Innovative and Person-Centred Approach to Assessing Body Composition, Health and Wellbeing in Socially Deprived Communities

Objectives: Engaging individuals within the community using novel and person-centered approaches remains a critical pathway to prevention and improving the health of individuals, particularly those living in socially deprived circumstances. The aim of this study was to assess body composition and health and wellbeing metrics using a novel health engagement tool within the community.

Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected as part of the larger Adding to Social capital and individual Potential In disadvantaged Regions (ASPIRE) project which is a health-related intervention implemented to reduce obesity and unemployment in adults. The Health Kiosk is an interactive health and wellbeing engagement tool based on validated measures which allows users to do a health MOT, by measuring body composition and other health and wellbeing metrics. Data on demography, body composition and wellbeing age were extracted for this analysis.

Results: A total of 2473 participant data were obtained from the Health Kiosk via road shows (63.8%), at the UK hubs (5.2%) and from the French hubs (30.9%). The majority of participants were female (59.7%) with a mean age of 48±18.6 years. A higher proportion of participants were full-time employed (36.8). Analysis focused on body composition indicated an average BMI of 28.0±6.1kg/m², with the majority of participants in the pre-obesity category (34.8%) and mean body fat composition of 33.3±10.3%. Average blood pressure was 125.8±19.8mmHg for systolic and diastolic 82.4±13.5mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. As expected, BMI was strongly correlated with BFC (r = 0.763, p< 0.001) and there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in BFC between males and females, with females (37.6±9.0%) having a higher BFC compared to males (27.0±8.7). The average wellbeing age was 47.3±15.0 years, with no significant differences between males and females (p = 0.977).

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of a novel and interactive health and wellbeing engagement tool to engage with individuals around their health and wellbeing. The findings present the potential for this approach to support those living in socially deprived communities as part of commissioned health improvement and preventive services.

Funding Sources: This work is funded by grants from the EU Interreg European Regional Development Fund.