Willingness of patients with diabetes to use an ICT-based self-management tool: a cross-sectional study

A randomized controlled mHealth trial that evaluates social comparison-oriented gamification to improve physical activity, sleep quantity, and quality of life in young adults

INTRODUCTION

The integration of gamification in mHealth interventions presents a novel approach to enhance user engagement and health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate whether comparison-oriented gamification can effectively improve various aspects of health and well-being, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and overall quality of life among young adults.

METHODS

Potential 107 young adults (from 19 to 28 years old) participated in an 8-week trial. Participants were assigned to either a gamified mHealth intervention (LevantApp) with daily leaderboards and progress bars (n = 53, 26 % dropped-out), or a control condition without gamification (n = 52, 29 % dropped-out). Physical activity (number of steps, moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity -MVPA-) and sleep quantity were measured objectively via accelerometry and subjectively using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire(SBQ), and Short Form Health Survey(SF-36).

RESULTS

This mHealth intervention with social comparison-oriented gamification significantly improved moderate physical activity to a greater extent than the control group. Additionally, the intervention group showed improvements in the number of steps, moderate physical activity, sedentary time, emotional wellbeing, and social functioning. However, no significant group by time interaction was observed. No significant differences were observed in sleep quality or quantity.

CONCLUSION

s: The LevantApp gamified mHealth intervention was effective in improving moderate physical activity, physical functioning, and role-emotional in young adults. No significant effects were found on step counts, MVPA or sleep, suggesting that while gamification can enhance specific aspects of physical activity and quality of life, its impact may vary across different outcomes.

Efficacy of StepAdd, a Personalized mHealth Intervention Based on Social Cognitive Theory to Increase Physical Activity Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Increasing physical activity improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been proven to increase exercise, but engagement often fades with time. As the use of health behavior theory in mHealth design can increase effectiveness, we developed StepAdd, an mHealth intervention based on the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT). StepAdd improves exercise behavior self-efficacy and self-regulation through the use of goal-setting, barrier-identifying, and barrier-coping strategies, as well as automatic feedback functions. A single-arm pilot study of StepAdd among 33 patients with T2D showed a large increase in step count (mean change of 4714, SD 3638 daily steps or +86.7%), along with strong improvements in BMI (mean change of -0.3 kg/m2) and hemoglobin A1c level (mean change of -0.79 percentage points).

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of StepAdd, an mHealth exercise support system for patients with T2D, via a large, long, and controlled follow-up to the pilot study.

METHODS

This is a randomized, open-label, multicenter study targeting 160 patients with T2D from 5 institutions in Japan with a 24-week intervention. The intervention group will record daily step counts, body weight, and blood pressure using the SCT-based mobile app, StepAdd, and receive feedback about these measurements. In addition, they will set weekly step count goals, identify personal barriers to walking, and define strategies to overcome these barriers. The control group will record daily step counts, body weight, and blood pressure using a non-SCT-based placebo app. Both groups will receive monthly consultations with a physician who will advise patients regarding lifestyle modifications and use of the app. The 24-week intervention period will be followed by a 12-week observational period to investigate the sustainability of the intervention's effects. The primary outcome is between-group difference in the change in hemoglobin A1c values at 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes include other health measures, measurements of steps, measurements of other behavior changes, and assessments of app use. The trial began in January 2023 and is intended to be completed in December 2025.

RESULTS

As of September 5, 2023, we had recruited 44 patients. We expect the trial to be completed by October 8, 2025, with the follow-up observation period being completed by December 31, 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will provide important evidence about the efficacy of an SCT-based mHealth intervention in improving physical activities and glycemic control in patients with T2D. If this study proves the intervention to be effective and safe, it could be a key step toward the integration of mHealth as part of the standard treatment received by patients with T2D in Japan.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (JRCT) jRCT2032220603; https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/en/detail?trial_id=jRCT2032220603.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/53514.

Perspectives and Needs of Malaysian Patients With Diabetes for a Mobile Health App Support on Self-Management of Diabetes: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Effective self-management of diabetes is crucial for improving clinical outcomes by maintaining glucose levels and preventing the exacerbation of the condition. Mobile health (mHealth) has demonstrated its significance in enhancing self-management practices. However, only 20% of Malaysians are familiar with mHealth technologies and use them for health management.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the perceived benefits and challenges, needs and preferences, and willingness of patients with diabetes to use mHealth apps for self-management of diabetes.

METHODS

The study involved one-on-one semistructured online interviews with a total of 15 participants, all of whom were aged 18 years or older and had been diagnosed with diabetes for more than 6 months. An interview guide was developed based on the constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model (HITAM), and the aesthetics factor derived from the Mobile Application Rating Scale. All interviews were recorded in audio format and transcribed verbatim. The interview content was then organized and coded using ATLAS.ti version 8. Thematic analysis was conducted in accordance with the recommended guidelines for analyzing the data.

RESULTS

From the interviews with participants, 3 key themes emerged regarding the perceived benefits of using mHealth app support in diabetes self-management. These themes were the ability to track and monitor diabetes control, assistance in making lifestyle modifications, and the facilitation of more informed treatment decision-making for health care professionals. The interviews with participants revealed 4 prominent themes regarding the perceived barriers to using mHealth app support for diabetes self-management. These themes were a lack of awareness about the availability of mHealth support, insufficient support in using mHealth apps, the perception that current mHealth apps do not align with users' specific needs, and limited digital literacy among users. The interviews with participants unveiled 4 key themes related to their needs and preferences concerning mHealth app support for diabetes self-management. These themes were the desire for educational information, user-friendly design features, carbohydrate-counting functionality, and the ability to engage socially with both peers and health care professionals. The majority of participants expressed their willingness to use mHealth apps if they received recommendations and guidance from health care professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients generally perceive mHealth app support as beneficial for diabetes self-management and are willing to use these apps, particularly if recommended by health care professionals. However, several barriers may hinder the utilization of mHealth apps, including a lack of awareness and recommendations regarding these apps from health care professionals. To ensure the effective development of mHealth app support systems for diabetes self-management, it is crucial to implement user-centered design processes that consider the specific needs and preferences of patients. This approach will help create apps that are tailored to the requirements of individuals managing diabetes.

StepAdd: A personalized mHealth intervention based on social cognitive theory to increase physical activity among type 2 diabetes patients

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a personalized mobile health (mHealth) intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) to promote physical activity among type 2 diabetes patients via self-monitoring, goal setting, and automatic feedback.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study involving 33 type 2 diabetes patients attending Mitsui Memorial Hospital in Japan using a pre-post evaluation design over 12 weeks. Participants measured daily step count, body weight, and blood pressure at home, with the measurements synchronized with the StepAdd application (app) automatically. Participants used the app to review daily results, update personalized step goals, identify individualized barriers to achieving the step goals, find coping strategies to overcome each barrier, and implement these strategies, thereby building effective coping skills to meet the goals. Pharmacists examined the usage of the app and provided coaching on lifestyle modifications. Ultimately, patients established skills to enhance diabetes self-care by using the app.

RESULTS

Daily step count increased dramatically with high statistical significance (p < 0.0001), from a mean of 5436 steps/day to 10,150 steps/day, an 86.7 % increase. HbA1c (p = 0.0001) and BMI (p = 0.0038) also improved. Diabetes self-care in diet, exercise, and foot care as well as self-management behavior, self-regulation, and self-efficacy in achieving daily step goals showed significant improvements. The retention rate of the study was very high, at 97.0 % (n = 32).

CONCLUSIONS

A personalized smartphone-based mHealth intervention based on SCT is feasible and effective at promoting physical activity among type 2 diabetes patients. The methodology of the intervention could be readily applied to other patient populations.

Preliminary Efficacy, Feasibility, and Perceived Usefulness of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management System with Personalized Goal Setting and Feedback to Increase Step Count among Workers with High Blood Pressure: Before-After Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

High blood pressure (BP) and physical inactivity are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health is expected to support patients' self-management for improving cardiovascular health; the development of fully automated systems is necessary to minimize the workloads of health care providers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and perceived usefulness of an intervention using a novel smartphone-based self-management system (DialBetes Step) in increasing steps per day among workers with high BP.

METHODS

On the basis of the Social Cognitive Theory, we developed personalized goal-setting and feedback functions and information delivery functions for increasing step count. Personalized goal setting and feedback consist of 4 components to support users' self-regulation and enhance their self-efficacy: goal setting for daily steps, positive feedback, action planning, and barrier identification and problem-solving. In the goal-setting component, users set their own step goals weekly in gradual increments based on the system's suggestion. We added these fully automated functions to an extant system with the function of self-monitoring daily step count, BP, body weight, blood glucose, exercise, and diet. We conducted a single-arm before-and-after study of workers with high BP who were willing to increase their physical activity. After an educational group session, participants used only the self-monitoring function for 2 weeks (baseline) and all functions of DialBetes Step for 24 weeks. We evaluated changes in steps per day, self-reported frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior, self-efficacy, and biomedical characteristics (home BP, BMI, visceral fat area, and glucose and lipid parameters) around week 6 (P1) of using the new functions and at the end of the intervention (P2). Participants rated the usefulness of the system using a paper-based questionnaire.

RESULTS

We analyzed 30 participants (n=19, 63% male; mean age 52.9, SD 5.3 years); 1 (3%) participant dropped out of the intervention. The median percentage of step measurement was 97%. Compared with baseline (median 10,084 steps per day), steps per day significantly increased at P1 (median +1493 steps per day; P<.001), but the increase attenuated at P2 (median +1056 steps per day; P=.04). Frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior increased at P1 and P2. Goal-related self-efficacy tended to increase at P2 (median +5%; P=.05). Home BP substantially decreased only at P2. Of the other biomedical characteristics, BMI decreased significantly at P1 (P<.001) and P2 (P=.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly only at P1 (P<.001). DialBetes Step was rated as useful or moderately useful by 97% (28/29) of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

DialBetes Step intervention might be a feasible and useful way of increasing workers' step count for a short period and, consequently, improving their BP and BMI; self-efficacy-enhancing techniques of the system should be improved.

Willingness to Receive mHealth Messages Among Diabetic Patients at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital: Implications for Digital Health

BACKGROUND

The growing access and use of mobile technology provide new tools for diabetic care and management. Mobile-based technology (mHealth) is considered as a useful tool to deliver healthcare services as a makeshift alternative for consultations and follow-up of diabetic patients. Therefore, this study aimed to scrutinize the willingness to receive mHealth messages and its associated factors among diabetic patients at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among two hundred thirty-three diabetic patients. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epidata manager and SPSS software were used to enter and analyze the data, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the independent factors associated with patients' willingness to receive mHealth messages.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-three patients participated in this study with a 95% response rate. Majority of the patients (213, 91.4%) had a mobile phone. Among those who had mobile phones, 59.1%, (95% CI: 48-64) of patients were willing to receive mHealth messages from providers, if they were offered the opportunity. In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, monthly income >3000 ETB (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI (1.36-3.81)), owning smartphone (AOR = 3.85; 95% CI (1.67-4.89)), internet access in their mobile phone (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI (1.42-4.61)), perceived usefulness (AOR = 4.66; 95% CI (2.38-6.83)) and perceived ease to use (AOR = 3.87; 95% CI (1.57-5.46)) were identified as significant factors associated with diabetic patients' willingness to receive mHealth messages.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of patients who had mobile phones were willing to receive mHealth messages. Monthly income, type of mobile phone, access to the internet on the mobile phone, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness were associated with willingness to receive mHealth messages. Therefore, focusing on these factors could provide insight for designing and implementing mHealth messages for diabetic patients.

Application of Smartphone Technologies in Disease Monitoring: A Systematic Review

Technologies play an essential role in monitoring, managing, and self-management of chronic diseases. Since chronic patients rely on life-long healthcare systems and the current COVID-19 pandemic has placed limits on hospital care, there is a need to explore disease monitoring and management technologies and examine their acceptance by chronic patients. We systematically examined the use of smartphone applications (apps) in chronic disease monitoring and management in databases, namely, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Proquest, published from 2010 to 2020. Results showed that app-based weight management programs had a significant effect on healthy eating and physical activity (p = 0.002), eating behaviours (p < 0.001) and dietary intake pattern (p < 0.001), decreased mean body weight (p = 0.008), mean Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.002) and mean waist circumference (p < 0.001). App intervention assisted in decreasing the stress levels (paired t-test = 3.18; p < 0.05). Among cancer patients, we observed a high acceptance of technology (76%) and a moderately positive correlation between non-invasive electronic monitoring data and questionnaire (r = 0.6, p < 0.0001). We found a significant relationship between app use and standard clinical evaluation and high acceptance of the use of apps to monitor the disease. Our findings provide insights into critical issues, including technology acceptance along with regulatory guidelines to be considered when designing, developing, and deploying smartphone solutions targeted for chronic patients.

Willingness to Adopt mHealth Among Chinese Parents During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

Background

Parental involvement in mobile health (mHealth) to consult with medical professionals appears to be prevalent in China with the rapid development of the internet. More parents with busy jobs have chosen to use mHealth. During the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, mHealth can assist with health promotion, directions for medication use, and disease diagnosis via online chat and video consultation without contacting others. To our knowledge, no studies have been performed to explore the role of mHealth in parents’ attitudes toward child health care at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Objective

This study aims to identify the associated factors of willingness to adopt mHealth among Chinese parents during the COVID-19 outbreak and to explore the correlation between the frequency of adopting mHealth and parents’ attitudes toward child health care at home.

Methods

Chinese parents were asked to complete an online survey from January 25 to February 15, 2020. The questionnaire comprised of two parts with a total of 16 items, including parents’ demographic variables and attitudes toward child health care at home. By multivariate logistic regression, we explored factors associated with parents’ willingness to adopt mHealth during the COVID-19 outbreak. Pearson chi-square tests were used to reveal the correlation between the frequency of adopting mHealth and parents’ attitudes toward child health care at home.

Results

A total of 254 parents enrolled, and 202 (79.5%) parents were willing to adopt mHealth during the COVID-19 outbreak. Parents’ age (26-35 years: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 8.114, 95% CI 1.471-44.764), parents’ interest in the COVID-19 pandemic (moderate: AOR 8.753, 95% CI 2.009-38.127; high: AOR 22.194, 95% CI 5.509-89.411), the source that recommended mHealth (medical health providers: AOR 4.257, 95% CI 1.439-12.596), the presence of chronic disease in their children (yes: AOR 20.844, 95% CI 4.600-94.443), parents’ duration of daily internet use (4-6 hours: AOR 6.487, 95% CI 1.870-22.495; >6 hours: AOR 8.766, 95% CI 1.883-40.804), and adoption of mHealth before the COVID-19 outbreak (yes: AOR 3.413, 95% CI 1.234-9.444) were significantly correlated with the parents’ willingness to adopt mHealth during the COVID-19 outbreak. The frequency of mHealth use among parents was correlated with their behaviors in regard to handwashing (χ²₆=18.967, P=.004), mask wearing (χ²₆=45.364, P<.001), frequency of leaving the home (χ²₆=16.767, P=.01), room disinfection and ventilation (χ²₆=19.515, P=.003), temperature checking (χ²₆=17.47, P=.007), and mental health care of children (χ²₆=63.810, P<.001) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

We found various objective factors that were associated with parents’ willingness to adopt mHealth during the COVID-19 outbreak. Overall, parents’ willingness to adopt mHealth was high. The frequency of mHealth use among parents was correlated with their attitudes toward child health care at home. The option of mHealth to patients at home during the COVID-19 outbreak would be beneficial for education and improvement in self-management of child health care at home.

Willingness of Patients Prescribed Medications for Lifestyle-Related Diseases to Use Personal Health Records: Questionnaire Study

Background

Personal health record (PHR) systems let individuals utilize their own health information to maintain and improve quality of life. Using PHRs is expected to support self-management in patients with lifestyle-related diseases.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of the willingness to use PHRs among patients who are prescribed medications for lifestyle-related diseases.

Methods

We recruited pharmacy patrons, aged 20 years or older, who had received at least one medication indicated for hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires regarding their previous diseases, awareness of health care, experience in using PHRs, willingness to use PHRs, and barriers to using PHRs. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Of the 3708 subjects meeting eligibility criteria, 2307 replies (62.22%) were collected. While only 174 (7.54%) participants had previous PHR experience, 853 (36.97%) expressed willingness to use PHRs. In the multivariate analysis, considering exercise to be important for health management (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% CI 1.12-2.21; P=.009), obtaining medical information from books or magazines (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.96-1.59; P=.10), and obtaining medical information from the internet (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13-1.87; P=.004) were newly identified predictors. These were in addition to known predictors, such as being employed, owning information terminals, and previous PHR experience.

Conclusions

Patients who have an active and positive attitude toward health seem to be more willing to use PHRs. Investigating willingness should contribute to the development of more useful PHRs for self-management among patients prescribed medications for lifestyle-related diseases.

Effectiveness of Lifestyle Intervention Using the Internet of Things System for Individuals with Early Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective Exercise therapy is used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We evaluated the effects of intensive health guidance using the Internet of things (IoT) among Japanese company workers with early T2DM. Methods Fifty-three men (mean age: 54 years) with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of >6.5% were enrolled in a 6-month exercise therapy program between August 2016 and January 2017. They used activity meters, scales, and sphygmomanometers connected to the Internet by Bluetooth. These devices automatically and continuously recorded daily information, and the participants simultaneously received health guidance from a public health nurse twice a month. Results The number of daily steps significantly increased, whereas the amount of physical activity increased but was not significant. The mean decrease (±SD) in HbA1c levels after 3 and 6 months was estimated to be -0.40% (±0.45, p<0.0001) and -0.19% (±0.55, p=0.033), respectively, by a linear mixed model that included baseline HbA1c levels and age as covariates. The program failed to improve the body mass index and blood pressure of the participants. The percentage of active stage (action and maintenance stage) in stage of health behavior significantly increased from 48% to 68% (p=0.011). Conclusion Intensive lifestyle intervention using a wearable monitoring system and remote health guidance improved diabetic control in middle-aged company workers.

Access to mobile phone and willingness to receive mHealth services among patients with diabetes in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed at determining access to mobile phone and willingness to receive mobile phone-based diabetes health services as well as identify associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia.

DESIGN

An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Systematic randomly selected 423 patients with diabetes.

SETTING

University of Gondar Hospital diabetic clinic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measure was willingness to receive diabetic health service via mobile phone voice call or messaging services.

RESULTS

Out of 423 patients with diabetes, 329 (77.8%) had access to a mobile phone. Among the latter, 232 (70.5%) were willing to receive mobile phone-based health services. The educational status of patients (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2 to 5.58)), route of medication (AOR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.44 to 7.1)), transportation mechanism (AOR: 4.1 (95% CI: 1.2 to 13.57)), travel time to health facility (AOR: 0.3 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.82)), current use of mobile phone as appointment reminder (AOR: 2.6 (95% CI: 1.07 to 6.49)) and locking mobile phone with passwords (AOR: 4.6 (95% CI: 1.63 to 12.95)) were significantly associated with the willingness to receive mobile phone-based diabetic health services.

CONCLUSION

Access to a mobile phone and willingness to receive mobile phone-based health services were high. Educational status, route of medication, transportation mechanism, time to reach the service, using mobile phone as appointment reminder and locking mobile phone with passwords were significantly associated factors. Given the high proportion of access and willingness of patients to receive mobile phone-based health services, mHealth interventions could be helpful.

Users' preferences and design recommendations to promote engagements with mobile apps for diabetes self-management: Multi-national perspectives

Background

Mobile phone applications (apps) offer motivation and support for self-management of diabetes mellitus (DM), but their use is limited by high attrition due to insufficient consideration of end-users perspectives and usability requirements. This study aimed to examine app usage and feature preferences among people with DM, and explore their recommendations for future inclusions to foster engagement with diabetes apps.

Methods

The study was conducted internationally on adults with type 1 or type 2 DM using online questionnaire (quantitative) to investigate usage and preferences for app features that support diabetes self-management and semi structured telephone interview (qualitative) to explore suggestions on fostering engagement and specific educational information for inclusion into diabetes apps. Survey and interview data were analysed using descriptive/ inferential statistics and inductive thematic analysis respectively.

Results

A total of 217 respondents with type 1 DM (38.25%) or type 2 DM (61.8%), from 4 continents (Australia, Europe, Asia and America) participated in the survey. About half of the respondents (48%) use apps, mainly with features for tracking blood glucose (56.6%), blood pressure (51.9%) and food calories (48.1%). Preferred features in future apps include nutrient values of foods (56.7%), blood glucose (54.8%), physical exercise tracker (47%), health data analytics (42.9%) and education on diabetes self-management (40.6%). Irrespective of the type of DM, participants proposed future apps that are user friendly, support healthy eating, provide actionable reminders and consolidate data across peripheral health devices. Participants with type 1 DM recommended customised features with news update on developments in the field of diabetes. Nominated specific educational topics included tips on problem solving, use of insulin pump therapy, signs of diabetes complication and transitioning from paediatric into adult care.

Conclusions

The study has highlighted patients’ perspectives on essential components for inclusion in diabetes apps to promote engagement and foster better health outcomes.

The Use of Smartphone in Medical Practice

In this review we present some data about the use of mobile phones in medical practice. The results of over hundred studies cited in PubMed during the last few years have been discussed. The article gives background connected with a project in the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts referring to a personal mobile phone application named "Neurogame" which is currently constructed to evaluate motor skills related to attention and concentration in different samples of people.