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Kuzmik A, Liu Y, Cuffee Y, Kong L, Sciamanna CN, Rovniak LS. Friend Social Network Size Moderates the Association Between Age and Physical Activity Across Adulthood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2024; 17:1068-1082. [PMID: 39257546 PMCID: PMC11385292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Both physical activity and social network size decline as people age. However, limited research has examined if social network size and contact frequency differentially influence physical activity across the adult lifespan. This study aimed to assess if these social network characteristics moderated the relationship between age and physical activity level across adulthood. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the main-effect association between age, past-week physical activity, and past-year physical activity, as well as the moderating effect of social network characteristics (i.e., friend network size, friend contact frequency, relative network size, and relative contact frequency) on age-physical activity associations. The results revealed that friend network size had moderated associations between age and past-week physical activity (β = -7.03; p = .025, f2 = 0.13) and past-year physical activity (β = -585.52; p = .017, f2 = 0.15). Specifically, adults who were older and had smaller friend networks performed more minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over the past week and past year; on the other hand, adults who were younger and had larger friend networks performed more minutes of MVPA over the past week and past year. Relative network size, friend contact frequency, and relative contact frequency did not moderate the relationship between age and past-week physical activity and past-year physical activity. These findings suggested that building friend networks throughout adulthood may help promote active living across the adult lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Kuzmik
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Utah State University, UT, USA
| | | | - Lan Kong
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Christopher N Sciamanna
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Liza S Rovniak
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
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Kilgour G, Stott NS, Steele M, Adair B, Hogan A, Imms C. Effects of a 12 week community-based high-level mobility programme on sustained participation in physical activity by adolescents with cerebral palsy: a single subject research design study. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:3408-3418. [PMID: 37712610 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2256225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess if a high-level mobility programme (HLMP) can promote sustained participation in physical activity by adolescents with cerebral palsy. METHODS Eight adolescents with cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-II, 11-16 years, participated in 24 community-based group HLMP sessions across 12 weeks. Participants set attendance, involvement, and physical performance goals, completed activity diaries over 58 weeks and undertook physical capacity tests. Measures of activity frequency and diversity (attendance) and involvement level were collected weekly across baseline (4-6 weeks), intervention (12 weeks), and nine months follow-up (including Covid lockdown). RESULTS Median attendance was 23 of 24 HLMP sessions. Attendance goal/s attainment was highest during COVID lockdown. Involvement goals were consistently attained throughout all phases. Physical performance goal/s attainment was highest during intervention phase but reduced during nine months follow-up. Frequency of participation in physical activities varied greatly across study phases (range 0-33 episodes/week) with stable variety of activities and generally high 'involvement.' During the intervention, seven participants improved physical capacity and six maintained, or increased, the gains six months later. CONCLUSION Most participants improved physical capacity post-intervention but only some had sustained attendance and involvement in physical activity, highlighting the complexity of physical activity participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaela Kilgour
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Michael Steele
- School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brooke Adair
- Grow Strong Children's Physiotherapy, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Christine Imms
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Affuso O, Kinsey AW, Whitt-Glover MC, Segar M, Bowen P. Social Environments and Physical Activity Among Active Black Women. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1275-1283. [PMID: 35580614 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221102139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the social context of physical activity (PA) among active Black women, we examine the patterns of PA engagement and the benefits of social support in PA maintenance. DESIGN A cross-sectional study design and descriptive phenomenological approach were used to examine social support and lived experiences of active Black women. SETTING The study setting was an online survey of active Black women, ages 21 to 71 years who were recruited from across the United States. PARTICIPANTS This secondary data analysis was conducted among a sample of 187 active Black women who maintained PA for ≥6 months. The mean age was 41 ± 12.3 years, 83.4% completed some college, 37.7% were married, and 30.0% had children. MEASURES Participants self-reported 'with whom' they engaged in PA and provided qualitative responses about their strategies for PA maintenance. Descriptive statistics were used to examine between-group differences among demographic characteristics and PA variables by category of PA engagement using SAS 9.4. Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore social support themes across and within categories of PA engagement. RESULTS On average, the active Black women in this study reported engaging in 57.0 ± 18.9 minutes of moderate intensity leisure-time PA per session. Most engaged in PA alone (n = 87), with a group (n = 72), or with another individual (n = 28). Social context themes within categories included: alone - self-management, groups - motivation and accountability, family - values health, and friends - shared interests in PA. Subthemes across social context categories included: who? - people, what and how? - types of social support, and where? - place of social support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that some Black women may need added social support from others beyond family and friends, while other Black women may prefer additional self-management skills. Nonetheless, this study provides data for developing hypotheses about the mechanisms by which social context may facilitate PA maintenance among Black women. Therefore, intervention studies targeting PA maintenance among Black women should include an in-depth query of social support needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Affuso
- Department of Epidemiology, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amber W Kinsey
- Division of Preventive Medicine, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Michelle Segar
- Sport, Health, and Activity Research and Policy Center, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pamela Bowen
- Department of Acute, Chronic, and Continuing Care, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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The Association between Gender and Physical Activity Was Partially Mediated by Social Network Size during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052495. [PMID: 35270188 PMCID: PMC8909104 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted physical activity, particularly among women. Limited research has explored how social network support may explain gender-based variations in physical activity during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of social networks in the association between gender and physical activity during a pandemic. This cross-sectional survey assessed whether social network characteristics (i.e., in-person social network size, frequency of in-person social network interactions, and online friend network size) mediate the relationship between gender and either past-week or past-year physical activity. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to determine the indirect effect of gender on physical activity through social networks. Among 205 participants, women (n = 129) were significantly less physically active (β = −73.82; p = 0.02) than men (n = 76) and reported significantly more Facebook friends (β = 0.30; p < 0.001) than men, which was inversely associated with past-week physical activity (β = −64.49; p = 0.03). Additionally, the indirect effect of gender on past-week physical activity through Facebook friends was significant (β = −19.13; 95% CI [−40.45, −2.09]). Findings suggest that social media sites such as Facebook could be used to encourage physical activity among women during a pandemic.
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Stark AL, Geukes C, Dockweiler C. Digital Health Promotion and Prevention in Settings: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e21063. [PMID: 35089140 PMCID: PMC8838600 DOI: 10.2196/21063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital technologies are increasingly integrating into people's daily living environments such as schools, sport clubs, and health care facilities. These settings play a crucial role for health promotion and prevention because they affect the health of their members, as the World Health Organization has declared. Implementing digital health promotion and prevention in settings offers the opportunity to reach specific target groups, lower the costs of implementation, and improve the health of the population. Currently, there is a lack of scientific evidence that reviews the research on digital health promotion and prevention in settings. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to provide an overview of research targeting digital health promotion and primary prevention in settings. It assesses the range of scientific literature regarding outcomes such as applied technology, targeted setting, and area of health promotion or prevention, as well as identifies research gaps. METHODS The scoping review was conducted following the Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien framework. We searched scientific databases and gray literature for articles on digital setting-based health promotion and prevention published from 2010 to January 2020. We included empirical and nonempirical publications in English or German and excluded secondary or tertiary prevention and health promotion at the workplace. RESULTS From 8888 records, the search resulted in 200 (2.25%) included publications. We identified a huge diversity of literature regarding digital setting-based health promotion and prevention. The variety of technology types extends from computer- and web-based programs to mobile devices (eg, smartphone apps) and telemonitoring devices (sensors). We found analog, digital, and blended settings in which digital health promotion and prevention takes place. The most frequent analog settings were schools (39/200, 19.5%) and neighborhoods or communities (24/200, 12%). Social media apps were also included because in some studies they were defined as a (digital) setting. They accounted for 31.5% (63/200) of the identified settings. The most commonly focused areas of health promotion and prevention were physical activity (81/200, 40.5%), nutrition (45/200, 22.5%), and sexual health (34/200, 17%). Most of the interventions combined several health promotion or prevention methods, including environmental change; providing information, social support, training, or incentives; and monitoring. Finally, we found that the articles mostly reported on behavioral rather than structural health promotion and prevention. CONCLUSIONS The research field of digital health promotion and prevention in settings is heterogeneous. At the same time, we identified research gaps regarding the absence of valid definitions of relevant terms (eg, digital settings) and the lack of literature on structural health promotion and prevention in settings. Therefore, it remains unclear how digital technologies can contribute to structural (or organizational) changes in settings. More research is needed to successfully implement digital technologies to achieve health promotion and prevention in settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lea Stark
- School of Public Health, Centre for ePublic Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelia Geukes
- School of Public Health, Centre for ePublic Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Zhang R, Fu JS. Linking Network Characteristics of Online Social Networks to Individual Health: A Systematic Review of Literature. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1549-1559. [PMID: 33950763 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1773703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Social networks have long been viewed as a structural determinant of health. With the proliferation of digital technologies, numerous studies have examined the health implications of online social networks (OSNs). However, the mechanisms through which OSNs may influence individual health are poorly understood. Employing a social network approach, this paper presents a systematic review of the literature examining how network characteristics of OSNs are linked to individuals' health behavior and/or status. Drawing on keyword searches in nine databases, we identified and analyzed 22 relevant articles from 1,705 articles published prior to 2017. The findings show that individual health is associated with a number of network characteristics, including both individual-level attributes (e.g., centrality) and network-level attributes (e.g., density, clustering). All of the included studies (n = 22) have focused on egocentric networks, and nine studies also collected whole network data of online health communities. Based on our review, we highlight three fruitful areas in the application of OSNs in public health: (1) disease and risk detection, (2) disease prevention and intervention, and (3) health behavior change. However, the precise mechanisms and causal pathways through which OSNs affect health remain unclear. More theoretically grounded, longitudinal, and mixed methods research is needed to advance this line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwen Zhang
- Department of Communication Studies, School of Communication, Northwestern University
| | - Jiawei Sophia Fu
- Department of Communication, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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Gesell SB, Barkin SL, Ip EH, Saldana SJ, Sommer EC, Valente TW, de la Haye K. Leveraging Emergent Social Networks to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Low-Income Parents With Preschool-Aged Children. SAGE OPEN 2021; 11:10.1177/21582440211031606. [PMID: 37275840 PMCID: PMC10238079 DOI: 10.1177/21582440211031606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that parents participating in a pediatric obesity intervention who formed social network ties with a parent in the intervention arm would engage in more daily physical activity and less sedentary behavior (after controlling for participant covariates). Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 36 months from 610 low-income parent-child pairs participating in an obesity prevention intervention for 3- to 5-year-old children. A network survey was used to identify social network ties among parents and accelerometers were used to measure parental physical activity and sedentary time. Longitudinal regression analyses tested effects of social network ties on parents' physical activity and sedentary behavior. Compared with parents without a social network tie, having a tie with an intervention group participant was associated with a clinically meaningful 11.04 min/day decrease in parental sedentary behavior that approached statistical significance (95% confidence interval [Cl] = [-22.71, 0.63], p = .06). Social network ties among parents in a pediatric obesity prevention intervention were not clearly associated with reduced sedentary behavior among those parents at the traditional level of p = .05. The large effect size (over 77min per week improvement) suggests there might be potential importance of promoting new social networks in community-based health promotion interventions to elicit and support behavior change, but further examination is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edward H. Ip
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Evan C. Sommer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Petkovic J, Duench S, Trawin J, Dewidar O, Pardo Pardo J, Simeon R, DesMeules M, Gagnon D, Hatcher Roberts J, Hossain A, Pottie K, Rader T, Tugwell P, Yoganathan M, Presseau J, Welch V. Behavioural interventions delivered through interactive social media for health behaviour change, health outcomes, and health equity in the adult population. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 5:CD012932. [PMID: 34057201 PMCID: PMC8406980 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012932.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networking platforms offer a wide reach for public health interventions allowing communication with broad audiences using tools that are generally free and straightforward to use and may be combined with other components, such as public health policies. We define interactive social media as activities, practices, or behaviours among communities of people who have gathered online to interactively share information, knowledge, and opinions. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the effectiveness of interactive social media interventions, in which adults are able to communicate directly with each other, on changing health behaviours, body functions, psychological health, well-being, and adverse effects. Our secondary objective was to assess the effects of these interventions on the health of populations who experience health inequity as defined by PROGRESS-Plus. We assessed whether there is evidence about PROGRESS-Plus populations being included in studies and whether results are analysed across any of these characteristics. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE (including trial registries) and PsycINFO. We used Google, Web of Science, and relevant web sites to identify additional studies and searched reference lists of included studies. We searched for published and unpublished studies from 2001 until June 1, 2020. We did not limit results by language. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-and-after (CBAs) and interrupted time series studies (ITSs). We included studies in which the intervention website, app, or social media platform described a goal of changing a health behaviour, or included a behaviour change technique. The social media intervention had to be delivered to adults via a commonly-used social media platform or one that mimicked a commonly-used platform. We included studies comparing an interactive social media intervention alone or as a component of a multi-component intervention with either a non-interactive social media control or an active but less-interactive social media comparator (e.g. a moderated versus an unmoderated discussion group). Our main outcomes were health behaviours (e.g. physical activity), body function outcomes (e.g. blood glucose), psychological health outcomes (e.g. depression), well-being, and adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were process outcomes important for behaviour change and included knowledge, attitudes, intention and motivation, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and social support. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used a pre-tested data extraction form and collected data independently, in duplicate. Because we aimed to assess broad outcomes, we extracted only one outcome per main and secondary outcome categories prioritised by those that were the primary outcome as reported by the study authors, used in a sample size calculation, and patient-important. MAIN RESULTS We included 88 studies (871,378 participants), of which 84 were RCTs, three were CBAs and one was an ITS. The majority of the studies were conducted in the USA (54%). In total, 86% were conducted in high-income countries and the remaining 14% in upper middle-income countries. The most commonly used social media platform was Facebook (39%) with few studies utilising other platforms such as WeChat, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts. Many studies (48%) used web-based communities or apps that mimic functions of these well-known social media platforms. We compared studies assessing interactive social media interventions with non-interactive social media interventions, which included paper-based or in-person interventions or no intervention. We only reported the RCT results in our 'Summary of findings' table. We found a range of effects on health behaviours, such as breastfeeding, condom use, diet quality, medication adherence, medical screening and testing, physical activity, tobacco use, and vaccination. For example, these interventions may increase physical activity and medical screening tests but there was little to no effect for other health behaviours, such as improved diet or reduced tobacco use (20,139 participants in 54 RCTs). For body function outcomes, interactive social media interventions may result in small but important positive effects, such as a small but important positive effect on weight loss and a small but important reduction in resting heart rate (4521 participants in 30 RCTs). Interactive social media may improve overall well-being (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.79, moderate effect, low-certainty evidence) demonstrated by an increase of 3.77 points on a general well-being scale (from 1.15 to 6.48 points higher) where scores range from 14 to 70 (3792 participants in 16 studies). We found no difference in effect on psychological outcomes (depression and distress) representing a difference of 0.1 points on a standard scale in which scores range from 0 to 63 points (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.12, low-certainty evidence, 2070 participants in 12 RCTs). We also compared studies assessing interactive social media interventions with those with an active but less interactive social media control (11 studies). Four RCTs (1523 participants) that reported on physical activity found an improvement demonstrated by an increase of 28 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week (from 10 to 47 minutes more, SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59, small effect, very low-certainty evidence). Two studies found little to no difference in well-being for those in the intervention and control groups (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.13, small effect, low-certainty evidence), demonstrated by a mean change of 0.4 points on a scale with a range of 0 to 100. Adverse events related to the social media component of the interventions, such as privacy issues, were not reported in any of our included studies. We were unable to conduct planned subgroup analyses related to health equity as only four studies reported relevant data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review combined data for a variety of outcomes and found that social media interventions that aim to increase physical activity may be effective and social media interventions may improve well-being. While we assessed many other outcomes, there were too few studies to compare or, where there were studies, the evidence was uncertain. None of our included studies reported adverse effects related to the social media component of the intervention. Future studies should assess adverse events related to the interactive social media component and should report on population characteristics to increase our understanding of the potential effect of these interventions on reducing health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Omar Dewidar
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jordi Pardo Pardo
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Rosiane Simeon
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Marie DesMeules
- Social Determinants and Science Integration/ Direction des déterminants sociaux et de l'intégration scientifique, Public Health Agency of Canada/Agence de santé publique du Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Diane Gagnon
- Department of Communication, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Alomgir Hossain
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tamara Rader
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Vivian Welch
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Winkels RM, Artrip R, Tupinio M, Veldheer S, Dandekar SC, George DR. Opportunities for Growth: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Community Gardening Intervention Pairing Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors with Experienced Gardeners. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 9:115-119. [PMID: 31580754 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0035] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the feasibility of a mentored gardening intervention for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors in a hospital-based community garden as a way to improve diet and physical activity, using qualitative data to assess the challenges, facilitators, and areas for future programmatic improvement and replication. Over the course of growing season 2018, AYA cancer survivors tended a garden plot in a community garden under the mentorship of an experienced (master) gardener. AYA cancer survivors were successful in planting and harvesting vegetables from the garden in partnership with their mentors. Qualitative results and future directions for the project are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rick Artrip
- Department of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Maegan Tupinio
- Department of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan Veldheer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Smita C Dandekar
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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10
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Tong HL, Coiera E, Laranjo L. Using a Mobile Social Networking App to Promote Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study of Users' Perspectives. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e11439. [PMID: 30578201 PMCID: PMC6320410 DOI: 10.2196/11439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite many health benefits of physical activity, nearly a third of the world’s adult population is insufficiently active. Technological interventions, such as mobile apps, wearable trackers, and Web-based social networks, offer great promise in promoting physical activity, but little is known about users’ acceptability and long-term engagement with these interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to understand users’ perspectives regarding a mobile social networking intervention to promote physical activity. Methods Participants, mostly university students and staff, were recruited using purposive sampling techniques. Participants were enrolled in a 6-month feasibility study where they were provided with a wearable physical activity tracker (Fitbit Flex 2) and a wireless scale (Fitbit Aria) integrated with a social networking mobile app (named “fit.healthy.me”). We conducted semistructured, in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups pre- and postintervention, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed in Nvivo 11 using thematic analysis techniques. Results In this study, 55 participants were enrolled; 51% (28/55) were females, and the mean age was 23.6 (SD 4.6) years. The following 3 types of factors emerged from the data as influencing engagement with the intervention and physical activity: individual (self-monitoring of behavior, goal setting, and feedback on behavior), social (social comparison, similarity and familiarity between users, and participation from other users in the network), and technological. In addition, automation and personalization were observed as enhancing the delivery of both individual and social aspects. Technological limitations were mentioned as potential barriers to long-term usage. Conclusions Self-regulatory techniques and social factors are important to consider when designing a physical activity intervention, but a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to satisfy different users’ preferences. Future research should adopt innovative research designs to test interventions that can adapt and respond to users’ needs and preferences throughout time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Ly Tong
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liliana Laranjo
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Lim MSC, Wright CJC, Carrotte ER, Pedrana AE. Reach, engagement, and effectiveness: a systematic review of evaluation methodologies used in health promotion via social networking sites. Health Promot J Austr 2018; 27:187-197. [PMID: 27719734 DOI: 10.1071/he16057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed Social networking sites (SNS) are increasingly popular platforms for health promotion. Advancements in SNS health promotion require quality evidence; however, interventions are often not formally evaluated. This study aims to describe evaluation practices used in SNS health promotion. Methods A systematic review was undertaken of Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and Cochrane Library databases. Articles published between 2006 and 2013 describing any health promotion intervention delivered using SNS were included. Results Forty-seven studies were included. There were two main evaluation approaches: closed designs (n=23), which used traditional research designs and formal recruitment procedures; and open designs (n=19), which evaluated the intervention in a real-world setting, allowing unknown SNS users to interact with the content without enrolling in research. Closed designs were unable to assess reach and engagement beyond their research sample. Open designs often relied on weaker study designs with no use of objective outcome measures and yielded low response rates. Conclusions Barriers to evaluation included low participation rates, high attrition, unknown representativeness and lack of comparison groups. Acceptability was typically assessed among those engaged with the intervention, with limited population data available to accurately assess intervention reach. Few studies were able to assess uptake of the intervention in a real-life setting while simultaneously assessing effectiveness of interventions with research rigour. So what? Through use of quasi-experimental or well designed before-after evaluations, in combination with detailed engagement metrics, it is possible to balance assessment of effectiveness and reach to evaluate SNS health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S C Lim
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Cassandra J C Wright
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Elise R Carrotte
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Alisa E Pedrana
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
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12
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Rovniak LS, Kong L, Hovell MF, Ding D, Sallis JF, Ray CA, Kraschnewski JL, Matthews SA, Kiser E, Chinchilli VM, George DR, Sciamanna CN. Engineering Online and In-Person Social Networks for Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial. Ann Behav Med 2017; 50:885-897. [PMID: 27405724 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-016-9814-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networks can influence physical activity, but little is known about how best to engineer online and in-person social networks to increase activity. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized trial based on the Social Networks for Activity Promotion model to assess the incremental contributions of different procedures for building social networks on objectively measured outcomes. METHODS Physically inactive adults (n = 308, age, 50.3 (SD = 8.3) years, 38.3 % male, 83.4 % overweight/obese) were randomized to one of three groups. The Promotion group evaluated the effects of weekly emailed tips emphasizing social network interactions for walking (e.g., encouragement, informational support); the Activity group evaluated the incremental effect of adding an evidence-based online fitness walking intervention to the weekly tips; and the Social Networks group evaluated the additional incremental effect of providing access to an online networking site for walking as well as prompting walking/activity across diverse settings. The primary outcome was mean change in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), assessed at 3 and 9 months from baseline. RESULTS Participants increased their MVPA by 21.0 min/week, 95 % CI [5.9, 36.1], p = .005, at 3 months, and this change was sustained at 9 months, with no between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS Although the structure of procedures for targeting social networks varied across intervention groups, the functional effect of these procedures on physical activity was similar. Future research should evaluate if more powerful reinforcers improve the effects of social network interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01142804).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza S Rovniak
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Lan Kong
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Ding Ding
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Chester A Ray
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Kraschnewski
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Kiser
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Vernon M Chinchilli
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Daniel R George
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Christopher N Sciamanna
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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Sciamanna CN, Mowen AJ, Kraschnewski JL, Smyth JM, Rovniak LS, Conroy DE, Kearcher K, Redman C, Silvis M, Auer BJ, Wang M, Lehman E, Messina D. Why just exercise if you can play? Interest in a modified sports program to enhance physical activity among primary care patients. Prev Med Rep 2017; 8:273-278. [PMID: 29255662 PMCID: PMC5723370 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fewer adults meet guidelines for aerobic physical activity, and many report a lack of enjoyment as a barrier. This survey was designed to determine the interest of primary care patients in participating in program designed to maximize enjoyment. Primary care patients (n = 540) in Central Pennsylvania reported their interest in participating in a "a regular fitness program where people your own age played games, such as softball, floor hockey and soccer, that were made to be easier to play and less competitive." Mean age was 58.4 years (SD = 16.5, range = 18-98). More than one-third (37.0%), including 59.6% of those under age 50, were interested in the modified sports fitness program. After adjusting for confounders, patients under age 40 were 5.9 (95% CI: 2.6-13.9) times as interested (v. age > 70) and non-white patients were 3.4 (95% CI: 1.3-8.5) times interested. Female patients and those with hypertension, high cholesterol or obesity were equally interested. A fitness program that consists of modified sports may be of interest to most primary care patients under age 50. Patients' initial interest appears high enough to warrant further development and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Mowen
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | | | - Joshua M Smyth
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Liza S Rovniak
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - David E Conroy
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Kalen Kearcher
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | | | - Matthew Silvis
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Brandon J Auer
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Ming Wang
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Erik Lehman
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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Laranjo L, Lau AYS, Martin P, Tong HL, Coiera E. Use of a mobile social networking intervention for weight management: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016665. [PMID: 28706104 PMCID: PMC5541629 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity and physical inactivity are major societal challenges and significant contributors to the global burden of disease and healthcare costs. Information and communication technologies are increasingly being used in interventions to promote behaviour change in diet and physical activity. In particular, social networking platforms seem promising for the delivery of weight control interventions.We intend to pilot test an intervention involving the use of a social networking mobile application and tracking devices (Fitbit Flex 2 and Fitbit Aria scale) to promote the social comparison of weight and physical activity, in order to evaluate whether mechanisms of social influence lead to changes in those outcomes over the course of the study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Mixed-methods study involving semi-structured interviews and a pre-post quasi-experimental pilot with one arm, where healthy participants in different body mass index (BMI) categories, aged between 19 and 35 years old, will be subjected to a social networking intervention over a 6-month period. The primary outcome is the average difference in weight before and after the intervention. Secondary outcomes include BMI, number of steps per day, engagement with the intervention, social support and system usability. Semi-structured interviews will assess participants' expectations and perceptions regarding the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was granted by Macquarie University's Human Research Ethics Committee for Medical Sciences on 3 November 2016 (ethics reference number 5201600716).The social network will be moderated by a researcher with clinical expertise, who will monitor and respond to concerns raised by participants. Monitoring will involve daily observation of measures collected by the fitness tracker and the wireless scale, as well as continuous supervision of forum interactions and posts. Additionally, a protocol is in place to monitor for participant misbehaviour and direct participants-in-need to appropriate sources of help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Laranjo
- Macquarie University, Australian Institute of Health Innovation-Centre for Health Informatics, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annie Y S Lau
- Macquarie University, Australian Institute of Health Innovation-Centre for Health Informatics, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paige Martin
- Macquarie University, Australian Institute of Health Innovation-Centre for Health Informatics, Sydney, Australia
| | - Huong Ly Tong
- Macquarie University, Australian Institute of Health Innovation-Centre for Health Informatics, Sydney, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Macquarie University, Australian Institute of Health Innovation-Centre for Health Informatics, Sydney, Australia
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15
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Vandelanotte C, Maher CA. Why we need more than just randomized controlled trials to establish the effectiveness of online social networks for health behavior change. Am J Health Promot 2017; 30:74-6. [PMID: 26517586 DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.141204-cit-605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
SYNOPSIS Despite their popularity and potential to promote health in large populations, the effectiveness of online social networks (e.g., Facebook) to improve health behaviors has been somewhat disappointing. Most of the research examining the effectiveness of such interventions has used randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It is asserted that the modest outcomes may be due to characteristics specific to both online social networks and RCTs. The highly controlled nature of RCTs stifles the dynamic nature of online social networks. Alternative and ecologically valid research designs that evaluate online social networks in real-life conditions are needed to advance the science in this area.
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Olsen JM, Baisch MJ, Monsen KA. Interpretation of Ecological Theory for Physical Activity with the Omaha System. Public Health Nurs 2016; 34:59-68. [PMID: 27346458 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity is a global health problem. Public health nurses (PHNs) have great potential to influence population health outcomes in this area. However, methods are needed to increase understanding of the problem and the impact PHNs may have on measuring and changing health behavior. One promising option is PHN documentation of client health data. However, literature examining how health behavior theories align with nursing documentation systems that use standardized terminology is sparse. The purpose of this article was to operationalize an ecological theory with the Omaha System standardized terminology using physical activity as an exemplar. The goal was to provide a method for using PHN clinical documentation to examine physical activity from a theoretical perspective in research and practice. We designed and used a three-phase process informed by the literature to conceptually map the ecological model for health promotion and the Omaha System. The results of the mapping process reveal the ecological nature of the Omaha System and provide support for measuring and analyzing health-related behavior problems from an ecological perspective with Omaha System data. This process could be replicated with other health-related problems and standardized terminologies to guide theoretically based nursing care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary J Baisch
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Karen A Monsen
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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17
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Kestens Y, Chaix B, Gerber P, Desprès M, Gauvin L, Klein O, Klein S, Köppen B, Lord S, Naud A, Payette H, Richard L, Rondier P, Shareck M, Sueur C, Thierry B, Vallée J, Wasfi R. Understanding the role of contrasting urban contexts in healthy aging: an international cohort study using wearable sensor devices (the CURHA study protocol). BMC Geriatr 2016; 16:96. [PMID: 27151297 PMCID: PMC4858908 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-016-0273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the challenges of aging populations, calls have been issued for more sustainable urban re-development and implementation of local solutions to address global environmental and healthy aging issues. However, few studies have considered older adults' daily mobility to better understand how local built and social environments may contribute to healthy aging. Meanwhile, wearable sensors and interactive map-based applications offer novel means for gathering information on people's mobility, levels of physical activity, or social network structure. Combining such data with classical questionnaires on well-being, physical activity, perceived environments and qualitative assessment of experience of places opens new opportunities to assess the complex interplay between individuals and environments. In line with current gaps and novel analytical capabilities, this research proposes an international research agenda to collect and analyse detailed data on daily mobility, social networks and health outcomes among older adults using interactive web-based questionnaires and wearable sensors. METHODS/DESIGN Our study resorts to a battery of innovative data collection methods including use of a novel multisensor device for collection of location and physical activity, interactive map-based questionnaires on regular destinations and social networks, and qualitative assessment of experience of places. This rich data will allow advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses in the aim to disentangle the complex people-environment interactions linking urban local contexts to healthy aging, with a focus on active living, social networks and participation, and well-being. DISCUSSION This project will generate evidence about what characteristics of urban environments relate to active mobility, social participation, and well-being, three important dimensions of healthy aging. It also sets the basis for an international research agenda on built environment and healthy aging based on a shared and comprehensive data collection protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kestens
- Montreal University Research Center (CRCHUM), 850, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada. .,École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), 7101, rue du Parc, Montréal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada.
| | - Basile Chaix
- Inserm, UMR-S 1136, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculté de médecine Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, cedex 12, Paris, 75571, France
| | - Philippe Gerber
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, 11, Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| | - Michel Desprès
- École d'urbanisme et d'architecture de paysage, Université de Montréal, 2940, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3C 3 J7, Canada
| | - Lise Gauvin
- Montreal University Research Center (CRCHUM), 850, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), 7101, rue du Parc, Montréal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Olivier Klein
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, 11, Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| | - Sylvain Klein
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, 11, Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| | - Bernhard Köppen
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, 11, Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| | - Sébastien Lord
- École d'urbanisme et d'architecture de paysage, Université de Montréal, 2940, chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3C 3 J7, Canada
| | - Alexandre Naud
- Montreal University Research Center (CRCHUM), 850, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), 7101, rue du Parc, Montréal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Hélène Payette
- Canada Research Center on Aging, CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Lucie Richard
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3 J7, Canada
| | - Pierre Rondier
- Montreal University Research Center (CRCHUM), 850, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | | | - Cédric Sueur
- UMR Géographie-Cités, 13 rue du Four, Paris, 75006, France
| | - Benoit Thierry
- Montreal University Research Center (CRCHUM), 850, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Julie Vallée
- Département d'Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, 23, rue Becquerel, Strasbourg, 67087, France
| | - Rania Wasfi
- Montreal University Research Center (CRCHUM), 850, rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.,École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), 7101, rue du Parc, Montréal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
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Hello Sunday Morning: Alcohol, (non)consumption and selfhood. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 28:67-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Vandelanotte C, Kirwan M, Rebar A, Alley S, Short C, Fallon L, Buzza G, Schoeppe S, Maher C, Duncan MJ. Examining the use of evidence-based and social media supported tools in freely accessible physical activity intervention websites. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2014; 11:105. [PMID: 25128330 PMCID: PMC4158049 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-014-0105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that physical activity is more likely to increase if web-based interventions apply evidence-based components (e.g. self-monitoring) and incorporate interactive social media applications (e.g. social networking), but it is unclear to what extent these are being utilized in the publicly available web-based physical activity interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether freely accessible websites delivering physical activity interventions use evidence-based behavior change techniques and provide social media applications. METHODS In 2013, a systematic search strategy examined 750 websites. Data was extracted on a wide range of variables (e.g. self-monitoring, goal setting, and social media applications). To evaluate website quality a new tool, comprising three sub-scores (Behavioral Components, Interactivity and User Generated Content), was developed to assess implementation of behavior change techniques and social media applications. An overall website quality scored was obtained by summing the three sub-scores. RESULTS Forty-six publicly available websites were included in the study. The use of self-monitoring (54.3%), goal setting (41.3%) and provision of feedback (46%) was relatively low given the amount of evidence supporting these features. Whereas the presence of features allowing users to generate content (73.9%), and social media components (Facebook (65.2%), Twitter (47.8%), YouTube (48.7%), smartphone applications (34.8%)) was relatively high considering their innovative and untested nature. Nearly all websites applied some behavioral and social media applications. The average Behavioral Components score was 3.45 (±2.53) out of 10. The average Interactivity score was 3.57 (±2.16) out of 10. The average User Generated Content Score was 4.02 (±2.77) out of 10. The average overall website quality score was 11.04 (±6.92) out of 30. Four websites (8.7%) were classified as high quality, 12 websites (26.1%) were classified as moderate quality, and 30 websites (65.2%) were classified as low quality. CONCLUSIONS Despite large developments in Internet technology and growth in the knowledge of how to develop more effective web-based interventions, overall website quality was low and the majority of freely available physical activity websites lack the components associated with behavior change. However, the results show that website quality can be improved by taking a number of simple steps, and the presence of social media applications in most websites is encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corneel Vandelanotte
- Central Queensland University, Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.
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Versey HS. Centering perspectives on Black women, hair politics, and physical activity. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:810-5. [PMID: 24625146 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
As researchers categorize issues facing Black women's health, obesity and physical exercise continue to be significant topics of debate. General interventions targeted toward Black women to address obesity and increase physical exercise have been largely ineffective. In this article, I situate the current public health discourse on obesity and related interventions within a sociocultural context of body appearance, with a specific focus on hair. Why do some African American women feel such strong ties to their hair that they will avoid exercise? What can be done to understand this phenomenon and address alternatives that may make both hair maintenance and regular exercise feasible? I map a theoretical argument for why hair matters for some women, and discuss how physical activity intervention strategies might be improved by considering such complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Shellae Versey
- H. Shellae Versey is with the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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