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Salamanca-Sanabria A, Liew SJ, Mair J, De Iorio M, Ling YDY, Tint MT, Wei YT, Lim K, Ong D, Chooi YC, Tay V, Eriksson JG. A holistic lifestyle mobile health intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and common mental disorders in Asian women with a history of gestational diabetes: a randomised control trial with 3-year follow-up protocol. Trials 2024; 25:443. [PMID: 38961430 PMCID: PMC11221021 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08247-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are 12-fold more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) 4-6 years after delivery than women without GDM. Similarly, GDM is associated with the development of common mental disorders (CMDs) (e.g. anxiety and depression). Evidence shows that holistic lifestyle interventions focusing on physical activity (PA), dietary intake, sleep, and mental well-being strategies can prevent T2D and CMDs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a holistic lifestyle mobile health intervention (mHealth) with post-GDM women in preventing T2D and CMDs in a community setting in Singapore. METHODS The study consists of a 1-year randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a 3-year follow-up period. Post-GDM women with no current diabetes diagnosis and not planning to become pregnant will be eligible for the study. In addition, participants will complete mental well-being questionnaires (e.g. depression, anxiety, sleep) and their child's socio-emotional and cognitive development. The participants will be randomised to either Group 1 (Intervention) or Group 2 (comparison). The intervention group will receive the "LVL UP App", a smartphone-based, conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention focused on three pillars: Move More (PA), Eat Well (Diet), and Stress Less (mental wellbeing). The intervention consists of health literacy and psychoeducational coaching sessions, daily "Life Hacks" (healthy activity suggestions), slow-paced breathing exercises, a step tracker (including brisk steps), a low-burden food diary, and a journaling tool. Women from both groups will be provided with an Oura ring for tracking physical activity, sleep, and heart rate variability (a proxy for stress), and the "HAPPY App", a mHealth app which provides health promotion information about PA, diet, sleep, and mental wellbeing, as well as display body mass index, blood pressure, and results from the oral glucose tolerance tests. Short-term aggregate effects will be assessed at 26/27 weeks (midpoint) and a 1-year visit, followed by a 2, 3, and 4-year follow-up period. DISCUSSION High rates of progression of T2D and CMDs in women with post-GDM suggest an urgent need to promote a healthy lifestyle, including diet, PA, sleep, and mental well-being. Preventive interventions through a holistic, healthy lifestyle may be the solution, considering the inextricable relationship between physical and psychological health. We expect that holistic lifestyle mHealth may effectively support behavioural changes among women with a history of GDM to prevent T2D and CMDs. TRIAL STATUS The protocol study was approved by the National Healthcare Group in Singapore, Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB) [2023/00178]; June 2023. Recruitment began on October 18, 2023. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05949957. The first submission date is June 08, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Salamanca-Sanabria
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Seaw Jia Liew
- Human Potential Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jacqueline Mair
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria De Iorio
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Young Doris Yee Ling
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yoo Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mya Thway Tint
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yew Tong Wei
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Endocrinology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karen Lim
- Division of Maternal-Foetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Desmond Ong
- Family Medicine Residency Programme, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Chung Chooi
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vicky Tay
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johan Gunnar Eriksson
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland
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Hooker SA, Crain AL, Muegge J, Rossom RC, Pronk NP, Pasumarthi DP, Kunisetty G, Masters KS. Applying Meaning and Self-Determination Theory to the Development of a Web-Based mHealth Physical Activity Intervention: Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e55722. [PMID: 38917457 PMCID: PMC11234062 DOI: 10.2196/55722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meaning in life is positively associated with health, well-being, and longevity, which may be partially explained by engagement in healthier behaviors, including physical activity (PA). However, promoting awareness of meaning is a behavior change strategy that has not been tested in previous PA interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop, refine, and pilot-test the Meaningful Activity Program (MAP; MAP to Health), a web-based mobile health PA intervention, theoretically grounded in meaning and self-determination theory, for insufficiently active middle-aged adults. METHODS Following an iterative user-testing and refinement phase, we used a single-arm double baseline proof-of-concept pilot trial design. Participants included 35 insufficiently active adults in midlife (aged 40-64 years) interested in increasing their PA. After a 4-week baseline period, participants engaged in MAP to Health for 8 weeks. MAP to Health used a web-based assessment and just-in-time SMS text messaging to individualize the intervention; promote meaning salience; support the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness; and increase PA. Participants completed measures of the hypothesized mechanisms of behavior change, including meaning salience, needs satisfaction, and autonomous motivation at pretest (-4 weeks), baseline (0 weeks), midpoint (4 weeks), and posttest (8 weeks) time points, and wore accelerometers for the study duration. At the end of the intervention, participants completed a qualitative interview. Mixed models compared changes in behavioral mechanisms during the intervention to changes before the intervention. Framework matrix analyses were used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS Participants were aged 50.8 (SD 8.2) years on average; predominantly female (27/35, 77%); and 20% (7/35) Asian, 9% (3/35) Black or African American, 66% (23/35) White, and 6% (2/35) other race. Most (32/35, 91%) used MAP to Health for ≥5 of 8 weeks. Participants rated the intervention as easy to use (mean 4.3, SD 0.8 [out of 5.0]) and useful (mean 4.3, SD 0.6). None of the hypothesized mechanisms changed significantly during the preintervention phase (Cohen d values <0.15). However, autonomy (P<.001; Cohen d=0.76), competence (P<.001; Cohen d=0.65), relatedness (P=.004; Cohen d=0.46), autonomous motivation (P<.001; Cohen d=0.37), and meaning salience (P<.001; Cohen d=0.40) increased significantly during the intervention. Comparison of slopes before the intervention versus during the intervention revealed that increases during the intervention were significantly greater for autonomy (P=.002), competence (P<.001), and meaning salience (P=.001); however, slopes were not significantly different for relatedness (P=.10) and autonomous motivation (P=.17). Qualitative themes offered suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSIONS MAP to Health was acceptable to participants, feasible to deliver, and associated with increases in the target mechanisms of behavior change. This is the first intervention to use meaning as a behavior change strategy in a PA intervention. Future research will test the efficacy of the intervention in increasing PA compared to a control condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Hooker
- Division of Research and Evaluation, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - A Lauren Crain
- Division of Research and Evaluation, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jule Muegge
- Division of Research and Evaluation, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Rebecca C Rossom
- Division of Research and Evaluation, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Nicolaas P Pronk
- Division of Research and Evaluation, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Gopikrishna Kunisetty
- Division of Research and Evaluation, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Kevin S Masters
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
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Schläpfer S, Schneider F, Santhanam P, Eicher M, Kowatsch T, Witt CM, Barth J. Engagement With a Relaxation and Mindfulness Mobile App Among People With Cancer: Exploratory Analysis of Use Data and Self-Reports From a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Cancer 2024; 10:e52386. [PMID: 38819907 PMCID: PMC11179041 DOI: 10.2196/52386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer unique opportunities to support self-care and behavior change, but poor user engagement limits their effectiveness. This is particularly true for fully automated mHealth apps without any human support. Human support in mHealth apps is associated with better engagement but at the cost of reduced scalability. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to (1) describe the theory-informed development of a fully automated relaxation and mindfulness app to reduce distress in people with cancer (CanRelax app 2.0), (2) describe engagement with the app on multiple levels within a fully automated randomized controlled trial over 10 weeks, and (3) examine whether engagement was related to user characteristics. METHODS The CanRelax app 2.0 was developed in iterative processes involving input from people with cancer and relevant experts. The app includes evidence-based relaxation exercises, personalized weekly coaching sessions with a rule-based conversational agent, 39 self-enactable behavior change techniques, a self-monitoring dashboard with gamification elements, highly tailored reminder notifications, an educational video clip, and personalized in-app letters. For the larger study, German-speaking adults diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years were recruited via the web in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Engagement was analyzed in a sample of 100 study participants with multiple measures on a micro level (completed coaching sessions, relaxation exercises practiced with the app, and feedback on the app) and a macro level (relaxation exercises practiced without the app and self-efficacy toward self-set weekly relaxation goals). RESULTS In week 10, a total of 62% (62/100) of the participants were actively using the CanRelax app 2.0. No associations were identified between engagement and level of distress at baseline, sex assigned at birth, educational attainment, or age. At the micro level, 71.88% (3520/4897) of all relaxation exercises and 714 coaching sessions were completed in the app, and all participants who provided feedback (52/100, 52%) expressed positive app experiences. At the macro level, 28.12% (1377/4897) of relaxation exercises were completed without the app, and participants' self-efficacy remained stable at a high level. At the same time, participants raised their weekly relaxation goals, which indicates a potential relative increase in self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS The CanRelax app 2.0 achieved promising engagement even though it provided no human support. Fully automated social components might have compensated for the lack of human involvement and should be investigated further. More than one-quarter (1377/4897, 28.12%) of all relaxation exercises were practiced without the app, highlighting the importance of assessing engagement on multiple levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Schläpfer
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Schneider
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Prabhakaran Santhanam
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Eicher
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Bruinsma J, Visser LNC, Abaci A, Rosenberg A, Diaz A, Hanke S, Crutzen R, Mangialasche F, Kivipelto M, Thunborg C. Social activities in multidomain dementia prevention interventions: insights from practice and a blueprint for the future. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1386688. [PMID: 38832328 PMCID: PMC11146203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1386688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social activities are important for health and act as a driver of cognitive reserve during aging. In this perspective paper, we describe challenges and outline future (research) endeavors to establish better operationalization of social activities in multidomain interventions to prevent dementia. Body We first address the lack of conceptual clarity, which makes it difficult to measure engagement in social activities. Second, drawing from our experience with the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER), we discuss social activities in multidomain dementia prevention interventions. Using qualitative data from the Multimodal Preventive Trial for Alzheimer's Disease (MIND-ADmini), we reflect on participant experiences with social activities. Third, we address the potential and challenges of digital solutions in promoting social activities in interventions for dementia prevention. Finally, we share insights from a workshop on digital technology, where we consulted with individuals with and without cognitive impairment who have been involved in three European projects (i.e., EU-FINGERS, Multi-MeMo, and LETHE). Discussion Based on these insights, we advocate for research that strengthens and accelerates the integration of social activities into multidomain interventions for dementia prevention. We propose several ways to achieve this: (a) by conducting mixed methods research to formulate a broadly accepted definition and instructions to measure social activities; (b) by focusing on promoting engagement in social activities beyond the intervention setting; and (c) by exploring the needs and preferences of older adults towards digitally-supported interventions and co-design of new technologies that enrich in-person social activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Bruinsma
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Leonie N. C. Visser
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care/Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alara Abaci
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Rosenberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ana Diaz
- Alzheimer Europe, Senningerberg, Luxembourg
| | - Sten Hanke
- Department of Applied Informatics, Institute of eHealth, FH Joanneum - University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Rik Crutzen
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Mangialasche
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Medical Unit Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Medical Unit Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- The Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotta Thunborg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Medical Unit Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
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Weber M, Raab AM, Schmitt KU, Büsching G, Marcin T, Spielmanns M, Puhan MA, Frei A. Efficacy of a digital lifestyle intervention on health-related QUAlity of life in non-small cell LUng CAncer survivors following inpatient rehabilitation: protocol of the QUALUCA Swiss multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081397. [PMID: 38453202 PMCID: PMC10921523 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors suffer from impaired physical and psychological functioning and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that persist after active treatment ends. Sustaining rehabilitation benefits, promoting a healthy lifestyle and facilitating self-management at home require a multifaceted aftercare programme. We aim to investigate the effect of a 12-week digital lifestyle intervention on HRQoL and lifestyle-related outcomes in NSCLC survivors after completion of inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS QUAlity of life in LUng CAncer Survivors (QUALUCA) is a multicentre randomised controlled trial that follows a hybrid type 1 design. We randomly allocate participants in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (digital lifestyle intervention) or the control group (standard care) using block randomisation stratified by tumour stage and study site. Four accredited Swiss inpatient rehabilitation centres recruit participants. Key inclusion criteria are a diagnosis of NSCLC, an estimated life expectancy of ≥6 months and access to a smartphone or tablet. The 12-week intervention comprises physical activity, nutrition and breathing/relaxation, delivered through a mobile application (app). The primary outcome is the change in HRQoL from baseline (1 week after rehabilitation) to follow-up (3 months after baseline), assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Secondary outcomes include body mass index, self-reported physical activity, exercise capacity, risk of low protein intake, appetite, psychological distress, cancer-related fatigue, enablement and self-rated health. Explanatory outcomes in the intervention group include app usability, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention, experiences and satisfaction with the intervention, and app usage data. We aim to enrol 88 participants. For the main statistical analysis, we will use analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline measures, stratification variables, age and sex. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Ethics Committees of the Canton of Zurich (lead), the Canton of Bern and Northwest and Central Switzerland approved the study (2023-00245). We will disseminate study results to researchers, health professionals, study participants and relevant organisations, and through publications in international peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05819346.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Weber
- Academic-Practice-Partnership between School of Health Professions at Bern University of Applied Sciences and University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Maria Raab
- Academic-Practice-Partnership between School of Health Professions at Bern University of Applied Sciences and University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai-Uwe Schmitt
- Academic-Practice-Partnership between School of Health Professions at Bern University of Applied Sciences and University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Büsching
- Barmelweid Academy, Klinik Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
- Department of Therapeutics, Klinik Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | - Thimo Marcin
- Berner Reha Zentrum, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Insel Group, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Heiligenschwendi, Switzerland
| | - Marc Spielmanns
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zürcher RehaZentren - Klinik Wald and Klinik Davos, Wald & Davos, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health, Department for Pulmonary Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Milo Alan Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Frei
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Regan C, Rosen PV, Andermo S, Hagströmer M, Johansson UB, Rossen J. The acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a mHealth service promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours: A mixed method feasibility study. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241247935. [PMID: 38638403 PMCID: PMC11025415 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241247935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Mobile health (mHealth) services suffer from high attrition rates yet represent a viable strategy for adults to improve their health. There is a need to develop evidence-based mHealth services and to constantly evaluate their feasibility. This study explored the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a co-developed mHealth service, aiming to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours. Methods The service LongLife Active® (LLA) is a mobile app with coaching. Adults were recruited from the general population. Quantitative results and qualitative findings guided the reasoning for the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of LLA. Data from: questionnaires, log data, eight semi-structured interviews with users, feedback comments from users and two focus groups with product developers and coaches were collected. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. A mixed method approach was used to interpret the findings. Results The final sample was 55 users (82% female), who signed up to use the service for 12 weeks. Engagement data was available for 43 (78%). The action plan was the most popular function engaged with by users. The mean scores for acceptability and usability were 3.3/5.0 and 50/100, respectively, rated by 15 users. Users expressed that the service's health focus was unique, and the service gave them a 'kickstart' in their behaviour change. Many ways to optimise the service were identified, including to increase personalisation, promote motivation and improve usability. Conclusion By incorporating suggestions for optimisation, this service has the potential to support peoples' healthy lifestyle behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Regan
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Phillip Von Rosen
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Andermo
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Sport Science, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Hagströmer
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Unn-Britt Johansson
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rossen
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zheng S, Edney SM, Goh CH, Tai BC, Mair JL, Castro O, Salamanca-Sanabria A, Kowatsch T, van Dam RM, Müller-Riemenschneider F. Effectiveness of holistic mobile health interventions on diet, and physical, and mental health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 66:102309. [PMID: 38053536 PMCID: PMC10694579 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Good physical and mental health are essential for healthy ageing. Holistic mobile health (mHealth) interventions-including at least three components: physical activity, diet, and mental health-could support both physical and mental health and be scaled to the population level. This review aims to describe the characteristics of holistic mHealth interventions and their effects on related behavioural and health outcomes among adults from the general population. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Google Scholar (first 200 records). The initial search covered January 1, 2011, to April 13, 2022, and an updated search extended from April 13, 2022 to August 30, 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) were included if they (i) were delivered via mHealth technologies, (ii) included content on physical activity, diet, and mental health, and (iii) targeted adults (≥18 years old) from the general population or those at risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or mental disorders. Studies were excluded if they targeted pregnant women (due to distinct physiological responses), individuals with pre-existing NCDs or mental disorders (to emphasise prevention), or primarily utilised web, email, or structured phone support (to focus on mobile technologies without exclusive human support). Data (summary data from published reports) extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were completed by two reviewers using a standard template and Cochrane risk-of-bias tools, respectively. Narrative syntheses were conducted for all studies, and random-effects models were used in the meta-analyses to estimate the pooled effect of interventions for outcomes with comparable data in the RCTs. The study was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42022315166. Findings After screening 5488 identified records, 34 studies (25 RCTs and 9 pre-post NRSIs) reported in 43 articles with 5691 participants (mean age 39 years, SD 12.5) were included. Most (91.2%, n = 31/34) were conducted in high-income countries. The median intervention duration was 3 months, and only 23.5% (n = 8/34) of studies reported follow-up data. Mobile applications, short-message services, and mobile device-compatible websites were the most common mHealth delivery modes; 47.1% (n = 16/34) studies used multiple mHealth delivery modes. Of 15 studies reporting on weight change, 9 showed significant reductions (6 targeted on individuals with overweight or obesity), and in 10 studies reporting perceived stress levels, 4 found significant reductions (all targeted on general adults). In the meta-analysis, holistic mHealth interventions were associated with significant weight loss (9 RCTs; mean difference -1.70 kg, 95% CI -2.45 to -0.95; I2 = 89.00%) and a significant reduction in perceived stress levels (6 RCTs; standardised mean difference [SMD] -0.32; 95% CI -0.52 to -0.12; I2 = 14.52%). There were no significant intervention effects on self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (5 RCTs; SMD 0.21; 95%CI -0.25 to 0.67; I2 = 74.28%) or diet quality scores (5 RCTs; SMD 0.21; 95%CI -0.47 to 0.65; I2 = 62.27%). All NRSIs were labelled as having a serious risk of bias overall; 56% (n = 14/25) of RCTs were classified as having some concerns, and the others as having a high risk of bias. Interpretation Findings from identified studies suggest that holistic mHealth interventions may aid reductions in weight and in perceived stress levels, with small to medium effect sizes. The observed effects on diet quality scores and self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were less clear and require more research. High-quality RCTs with longer follow-up durations are needed to provide more robust evidence. To promote population health, future research should focus on vulnerable populations and those in middle- and low-income countries. Optimal combinations of delivery modes and components to improve efficacy and sustain long-term effects should also be explored. Funding National Research Foundation, Prime Minister's Office, Singapore, under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) Programme and Physical Activity and Nutrition Determinants in Asia (PANDA) Research Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglin Zheng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Sarah Martine Edney
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chin Hao Goh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Bee Choo Tai
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jacqueline Louise Mair
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Oscar Castro
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Alicia Salamanca-Sanabria
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology and Economics ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rob M. van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Digital Health Centre, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Boesch M, Baty F, Rassouli F, Kowatsch T, Joerger M, Früh M, Brutsche MH. Non-pharmaceutical interventions to optimize cancer immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2255459. [PMID: 37791231 PMCID: PMC10543347 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2255459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional picture of cancer patients as weak individuals requiring maximum rest and protection is beginning to dissolve. Too much focus on the medical side and one's own vulnerability and mortality might be counterproductive and not doing justice to the complexity of human nature. Unlike cytotoxic and lympho-depleting treatments, immune-engaging therapies strengthen the immune system and are typically less harmful for patients. Thus, cancer patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors are not viewed as being vulnerable per se, at least not in immunological and physical terms. This perspective article advocates a holistic approach to cancer immunotherapy, with an empowered patient in the center, focusing on personal resources and receiving domain-specific support from healthcare professionals. It summarizes recent evidence on non-pharmaceutical interventions to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade and improve quality of life. These interventions target behavioral factors such as diet, physical activity, stress management, circadian timing of checkpoint inhibitor infusion, and waiving unnecessary co-medication curtailing immunotherapy efficacy. Non-pharmaceutical interventions are universally accessible, broadly applicable, instantly actionable, scalable, and economically sustainable, creating value for all stakeholders involved. Most importantly, this holistic framework re-emphasizes the patient as a whole and harnesses the full potential of anticancer immunity and checkpoint blockade, potentially leading to survival benefits. Digital therapeutics are proposed to accompany the patients on their mission toward change in lifestyle-related behaviors for creating optimal conditions for treatment efficacy and personal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florent Baty
- Lung Center, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Frank Rassouli
- Lung Center, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Technology, Management, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Joerger
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin Früh
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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