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Kuru H. Identifying Behavior Change Techniques in an Artificial Intelligence-Based Fitness App: A Content Analysis. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2024; 51:636-647. [PMID: 38054236 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231213586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In the field of artificial intelligence-based fitness apps, the effective integration of behavior change techniques (BCTs) is critical for promoting physical activity and improving health outcomes. However, the specific BCTs employed by apps and their impact on user engagement and behavior change are not explored sufficiently. This study investigates the Freeletics fitness app through a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the use of BCTs. In the quantitative analysis, fifteen unique BCTs were identified based on the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (V1). In the qualitative analysis, user reviews (n=400) were examined to understand perspectives on the app's effectiveness in promoting behavior change. Goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring of behavior, and social support were among the most prevalent BCTs identified in the Freeletics app, and their effectiveness in enhancing user engagement and promoting behavior change was also highlighted by user reviews. Among the areas of improvement identified in the study were the need for simplifying personalization options and addressing user concerns regarding the specificity of feedback. The study underscores the importance of integrating BCTs effectively within AI-based fitness apps to drive user engagement and facilitate behavior change. It contributes valuable insights into the design and implementation of BCTs in fitness apps and offers recommendations for developers, emphasizing the significance of goal setting, feedback mechanisms, self-monitoring, and social support. By understanding the impact of specific BCTs on user behavior and addressing user concerns, developers can create more effective fitness apps, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles and positive behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kuru
- İstanbul Rumeli University, İstanbul, Turkey
- Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
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Reading JM, Crane MM, Guan J, Jackman R, Thomson MD, LaRose JG. Acceptability of a Self-Guided Lifestyle Intervention Among Young Men: Mixed Methods Analysis of Pilot Findings. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e53841. [PMID: 38578686 PMCID: PMC11031701 DOI: 10.2196/53841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men are vastly underrepresented in lifestyle interventions, suggesting a need to develop appealing yet effective interventions for this population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the acceptability of a self-guided lifestyle intervention designed specifically for young men (age: 18-35 years old). METHODS Semistructured interviews and surveys were completed by 14 men following completion of a remotely delivered, 12-week lifestyle intervention. The intervention included 1 virtual group session, digital tools, access to self-paced web- and mobile-based content, and 12 weekly health risk text messages. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined young men's experiences with the intervention components of a remotely delivered, self-guided lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss. Data were integrated using convergent mixed methods analysis. RESULTS Men were a mean age of 29.9 (SD 4.9) years with a mean BMI of 31.0 (SD 4.5) kg/m2. The self-guided aspect was not acceptable, and a majority preferred more check-ins. Participants expressed a desire for a social aspect in future lifestyle interventions. All men found the focus on health risks appealing. A majority of men found the study-issued, Bluetooth-enabled scale acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Acceptability of the self-guided lifestyle intervention was perceived as suboptimal by young men. The findings highlight the need to add intervention components that sustain motivation and provide additional social support for young men. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04267263; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04267263.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Miki Reading
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Melissa M Crane
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Justin Guan
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Ronston Jackman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Maria D Thomson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jessica Gokee LaRose
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Barinas JL, McDermott RC, Williams SG, Fruh SM, Hauff C, Hudson GM, Graves RJ, Melnyk BM. Positive and negative psychosocial factors related to healthy and unhealthy weight control among nursing students. J Prof Nurs 2022; 42:290-300. [PMID: 36150873 PMCID: PMC9783016 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.07.017] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although nursing students are educated on the importance of exercising regularly and maintaining a well-balanced diet, many do not practice healthy weight management behaviors, and some even use unhealthy weight loss methods. Yet, little research has examined both positive and negative psychosocial variables related to weight control among nursing students. PURPOSE The present study aimed to identify the most salient psychosocial variables related to healthy and unhealthy weight control among nursing students. METHOD Using survey data from 241 nursing students, structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the relative contributions of eight interrelated psychosocial variables, including constructs from a strengths perspective (health-specific hope, health self-efficacy, social support, and body satisfaction) and from a deficit perspective (depression, anxiety, weight perception, and barriers to physical activity). RESULTS Results showed that the degree to which individuals perceive themselves to be overweight was related to both healthy and unhealthy weight control. Aside from weight perception, health self-efficacy produced the strongest association with healthy weight control, and anxiety produced the strongest association with unhealthy weight control. The structural model explained 23 % of the variance in healthy weight control and 29 % of the variance in unhealthy weight control. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the need for tailored, integrated weight management interventions for nursing students that equip them with effective anxiety management skills and build self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Barinas
- Department of Psychology, University Commons 1000, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36608, United States of America.
| | - Ryon C McDermott
- Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences, University Commons 3800, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States of America
| | - Susan G Williams
- College of Nursing, 5721 USA Drive North, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States of America
| | - Sharon M Fruh
- College of Nursing, 5721 USA Drive North, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States of America
| | - Caitlyn Hauff
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, Suite 1016, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey M Hudson
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, Suite 1016, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J Graves
- College of Nursing, 5721 USA Drive North, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States of America
| | - Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk
- College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Avenue, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States of America
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Ittefaq M, Ahmad Kamboh S, Iqbal A, Iftikhar U, Abwao M, Arif R. Understanding public reactions to state security officials' suicide cases in online news comments. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:499-508. [PMID: 35854472 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2101074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about public reactions to state security officials' suicide in Muslim countries like Pakistan. To explore readers' reactions in online comments, we analyzed 1,765 comments related to 10 news stories about suicide published in five mainstream English newspapers. The findings revealed six themes: stress, depression, and mental health issues; controversial investigation reports and misinformation; need for stronger accountability to address corruption in the country; criticizing media and security institutions; sympathy for the deceased and their families; and suicide and Islam. We recommend that suicide prevention organizations should monitor audience comments to devise and suggest resources for the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ittefaq
- School of Communication Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Azhar Iqbal
- School of Media and Communication Studies, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Urwah Iftikhar
- Department of Mass Communication, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mauryne Abwao
- Department of Arts and Media, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rauf Arif
- Department of Mass Communication, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
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Jake-Schoffman DE, Carrera Seoane M, Cooper K, Rajoria M, McVay MA. Engaging adults with obesity in organic online communities to support weight loss: a mixed methods pilot study. Psychol Health 2022:1-20. [PMID: 35726546 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2087073] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Organic online communities have shown potential for aiding weight loss, but few adults use them. We sought to test strategies to encourage adults to select and engage in online communities for weight loss. DESIGN 4-week single-arm, mixed-methods pilot. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative and qualitative data on selection of online community, engagement with community, and engagement and satisfaction with tasks. RESULTS On average, participants (n = 25) were female (80.0%) and white (68.0%), 45.2 ± 18.1 years old, with a BMI of 36.2 ± 6.5 kg/m2. Selection of online community varied across participants (13 MyFitnessPal, 5 Facebook, 5 Reddit). In qualitative analyses, reasons for selection included experience with community, privacy considerations, and seeking people similar to them. Most tasks were fully or partially completed by a majority of participants (>80.0%). For most tasks, ∼50% of participants felt the task helped them with weight loss support. Variability in response was observed, especially between tasks that requested reading compared to posting/commenting in the community. Frequent reading of community content throughout the study was reported by >70.0% of participants, though posting/commenting was less frequent. Barriers to further engagement included concerns about privacy, judgement, and misinformation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights about strategies for engaging individuals in online health communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Jake-Schoffman
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Montserrat Carrera Seoane
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kellie Cooper
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Melinda Rajoria
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Megan A McVay
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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McVay MA, Cooper KB, Donahue ML, Carrera Seoane M, Shah NR, Webb F, Perri M, Jake‐Schoffman DE. Engaging primary care patients with existing online tools for weight loss: A pilot trial. Obes Sci Pract 2022; 8:569-584. [PMID: 36238223 PMCID: PMC9535672 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Free online tools show potential for promoting weight loss at a low cost, but there is limited evidence about how to effectively engage patients with them. To address this, a low‐dose, flexible intervention was developed that aims to enhance weight‐related discussions with primary care providers (PCPs) and engage patients with an organic (i.e., not researcher‐created) weight loss‐focused social media community and online self‐monitoring tool. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was evaluated in a single‐arm, 12‐week pilot. Methods PCPs were recruited at two clinics, then PCP's patients with upcoming appointments were identified and recruited. Patients received an interactive online kickoff before their scheduled primary care appointment, then 8 follow‐up messages over 12 weeks via email or their electronic health record patient portal. Patients completed assessments at baseline, post‐appointment, and week 12. Primary care providers and patients completed semi‐structured interviews. Results All PCPs approached enrolled (n = 6); patient recruitment was on track to meet the study goal prior to COVID‐19 restrictions, and n = 27 patients enrolled. Patient satisfaction with the pre‐appointment kickoff was high. Twenty‐four patients reported discussing weight‐related topics at their primary care appointment and all were satisfied with the discussion. Twenty‐two patients completed 12‐week assessments. Of these, 15 reported engaging with the self‐monitoring tool and 9 with the social media community. Patient interviews revealed reasons for low social media community engagement, including perceived lack of fit. On average, patients with available data (n = 21) lost 2.4 ± 4.1% of baseline weight, and 28.6% of these patients lost ≥3% of baseline weight. Primary care providers reported high intervention satisfaction. Conclusions The intervention and trial design show potential, although additional strategies are needed to promote tool engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. McVay
- Department of Health Education & Behavior University of Florida Gainesville FL
| | - Kellie B Cooper
- Department of Health Education & Behavior University of Florida Gainesville FL
| | | | | | - Nipa R. Shah
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville FL
| | - Fern Webb
- Department of Surgery University of Florida Jacksonville FL
| | - Michael Perri
- College of Public Health and Health Professions University of Florida Gainesville
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Liu Y, Yin Z. Understanding Weight Loss via Online Discussions: Content Analysis of Reddit Posts Using Topic Modeling and Word Clustering Techniques. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e13745. [PMID: 32510460 PMCID: PMC7308899 DOI: 10.2196/13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers. Online social media platforms are popular among people seeking social support regarding weight loss and sharing their weight loss experiences, which provides opportunities for learning about weight loss behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the extent to which the content posted by users in the r/loseit subreddit, an online community for discussing weight loss, and online interactions were associated with their weight loss in terms of the number of replies and votes that these users received. METHODS All posts that were published before January 2018 in r/loseit were collected. We focused on users who revealed their start weight, current weight, and goal weight and were active in this online community for at least 30 days. A topic modeling technique and a hierarchical clustering algorithm were used to obtain both global topics and local word semantic clusters. Finally, we used a regression model to learn the association between weight loss and topics, word semantic clusters, and online interactions. RESULTS Our data comprised 477,904 posts that were published by 7660 users within a span of 7 years. We identified 25 topics, including food and drinks, calories, exercises, family members and friends, and communication. Our results showed that the start weight (β=.823; P<.001), active days (β=.017; P=.009), and median number of votes (β=.263; P=.02), mentions of exercises (β=.145; P<.001), and nutrition (β=.120; P<.001) were associated with higher weight loss. Users who lost more weight might be motivated by the negative emotions (β=-.098; P<.001) that they experienced before starting the journey of weight loss. In contrast, users who mentioned vacations (β=-.108; P=.005) and payments (β=-.112; P=.001) tended to experience relatively less weight loss. Mentions of family members (β=-.031; P=.03) and employment status (β=-.041; P=.03) were associated with less weight loss as well. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that both online interactions and offline activities were associated with weight loss, suggesting that future interventions based on existing online platforms should focus on both aspects. Our findings suggest that online personal health data can be used to learn about health-related behaviors effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhijun Yin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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Allegrante JP, Auld ME. Advancing the Promise of Digital Technology and Social Media to Promote Population Health. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2019; 46:5-8. [PMID: 31742449 DOI: 10.1177/1090198119875929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In June of 2018, the Society for Public Health Education partnered with The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health at College Park, and the Public Good Projects to convene the inaugural Digital Health Promotion Executive Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. We launched the 2018 Summit for several reasons. First, because of the ubiquity of digital technology and reach of social media, it had become apparent to us that the time was right to bring greater focus to the promise that digital technology and social media hold for improving the public's health. Second, while other forums were discussing uses of mHealth and eHealth, it was clear the public and private sectors were talking within siloes; thus we believed that more needed to be done to catalyze a dialogue among the academic, industry, and government sectors to share their efforts and to examine the opportunities-and challenges-of forging collaborative partnerships in developing and evaluating the next generation of digital information and health communication technologies. And third, we hoped to facilitate a conversation among leaders from each of these sectors that would result in a consensus on a "Common Agenda" for future actions to advance digital health promotion efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Elaine Auld
- Society for Public Health Education, Washington, DC, USA
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