A Smartphone App to Restore Optimal Weight (SPAROW) in Women With Recent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial

Health Behavior Change Interventions Using Mobile Phones: A Meta-Analysis

The technological capabilities of mobile phones have made them a useful tool for delivering interventions, but additional research is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the comparative effectiveness of mobile health interventions. This meta-analysis analyzes the relative effectiveness of mobile phone-based health interventions relative to comparison/control groups (e.g., eHealth interventions, standard of care, etc.), the utility of the theory of planned behavior in mobile phone-based health interventions, and the roles of various moderators. One hundred eighteen studies met inclusion criteria and contributed to an overall effect size of d = 0.27 (95% CI [.22, .32]). Findings indicate that mobile phone-based health interventions are significantly more effective than comparison/control conditions at improving health behaviors. Additionally, perceived behavioral control was a significant moderator providing some support for the usefulness of theory of planned behavior in mobile phone-based health interventions.

Postpartum life interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disease that seriously endangers life and health, but women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postpartum lifestyle intervention on the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the effect of lifestyle intervention on glycemic outcomes and anthropometric measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed and other databases to retrieve articles published before May 21, 2023, on randomized controlled trials of postnatal lifestyle interventions (diet and/or physical activity) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. We estimated the pooled odds ratios using fixed or random effects models and conducted a subgroup analysis of the different intervention methods to explore differences in the different lifestyle interventions.

RESULTS

The review included 17 randomized controlled trials. Overall, lifestyle changes started after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus an 11% (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.07) reduction in diabetes risk; significant differences were found for weight (MD = -1.33; 95% CI: [-1.76; -0.89], P < 0.00001) body mass index (MD = -0.53; 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.32], P < 0.00001), and waist circumference change (MD = -1.38; 95% CI: [-2.12; -0.64], P = 0.0002) but not for fasting glucose (MD = -0.06; 95% CI: [-0.19; 0.06], P = 0.32), 2 h glucose (MD = -0.12; 95% CI: [-0.30; 0.06], P = 0.19), and hemoglobin A1c (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: [-0.23; 0.02], P = 0.09). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in the effects of different lifestyle interventions on the incidence of type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels, and anthropometric parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our comprehensive meta-analysis of lifestyle interventions can improve modifiable anthropometric measures in women with gestational diabetes. We need further research to provide more intensive lifestyle intervention, more scientific intervention methods, and to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with gestational diabetes.

Current Use and Discrepancies in the Adoption of Health-Related Internet of Things and Apps Among Working Women in Japan: Large-Scale, Internet-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

Demographic changes and a low birth rate have led to a workforce shortage in Japan. To address this issue, the government has promoted engagement of female employment. However, increased female employment can impact women's health. Using Internet of Things (IoT) and apps to manage women's health has gained attention, but few studies have focused on working women.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the current situation of working women and their use of IoT or apps to manage their health.

METHODS

A large-scale, nationwide internet survey was conducted among 10,000 female participants aged from 20 years to 64 years in Japan. Participants were recruited from a marketing research company's active survey panel of 5.24 million members. The survey included questions about health status, sociodemographic factors, psychological characteristics, and the use of IoT or apps for health management. We compared perceived health status and reasons for current IoT use using t tests and assessed participant characteristics that predicted IoT use using the C5.0 decision tree algorithm. Ethical approval was granted by St. Luke's International University.

RESULTS

Among participants, 14.6% (1455/10,000) currently used IoT or apps, 7% (695/10,000) used them previously, and 78.5% (7850/10,000) had never used them. Current users (42.7 years old) were older than past users (39.7 years old). Discrepancies were observed between participants' perceived health problems and the purpose for using IoT or apps, with 21.3% (2130/10,000) of all women reporting they experienced menstrual symptoms or disorders but only 3.5% (347/10,000) used IoT or apps to manage the same symptom. On the other hand, current users were more likely to use IoT or apps to manage nutrition-related problems such as underweight or obesity (405/1455, 27.8%). Device use was highest among current users, with 87.3% (1270/1455) using smartphones, 19.7% (287/1455) using smartwatches, and 13.3% (194/1455) using PCs. Decision tree analysis identified 6 clusters, the largest consisting of 81.6% (5323/6523) of non-IoT users who did not exercise regularly, while pregnant women were more likely to use IoT or apps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the idea that woman with particular health problems (ie, menstrual symptoms or disorders and premenstrual syndrome) have lower use of IoT or apps, suggesting an unmet need for IoT and apps in specific areas.

Holistic preconception care: Providing real-time guidance via a mobile app to optimise maternal and child health

Introduction

Preconception is a critical period to optimise gamete function and early placental development, essential for successful conception and long-term maternal-child health. However, there is a lack of preconception services and consequently, global fertility rates continue to fall and mothers embark on their pregnancy journey in poor health. There is an urgent need to implement a holistic community-level preconception care programme to optimise risk factors for poor fecundability and improve long-term maternal-child health.

Method

We reviewed current evidence on fecundability lifestyle risk factors, the efficacy of existing preconception interventions and the use of digital platforms for health optimisation, to create a new digital-based preconception intervention model that will be implemented via an app. We present the theory, content and mode of delivery of this holistic model targeting couples planning for pregnancy.

Results

We propose a new model featuring a user-friendly mobile app, which enables couples to self-assess fecundability risks through a personalised risk score that drives a tailored management plan. This tiered management provides anticipatory guidance supported by evidence-based recommen-dations, and promotes ongoing engagement for behavioural optimisation and specialist referrals as required. Based on the health belief model, this new model delivered with a mobile app seeks to shift couples' perceptions about their susceptibility and severity of subfertility, benefits of making a change and barriers to change.

Conclusion

Our proposed digital-based intervention model via a mobile app stands to enhance preconcep-tion care by providing personalised risk assessments, real-time feedback and tiered management to optimise preconception reproductive health of couples. This model forms a reference content framework for future preconception care intervention delivery.

Effectiveness of a blended mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with glucose intolerance after a recent history of gestational diabetes (MELINDA): a 1-year, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial

Background

Women with glucose intolerance after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes. Traditional lifestyle interventions in early postpartum have limited impact. We investigated the efficacy of a blended mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with glucose intolerance after a recent history of GDM.

Methods

Prospective, double-arm, non-masked, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) in which women with glucose intolerance, diagnosed 6-16 weeks after a GDM-complicated pregnancy, were assigned 1:1 to a one-year blended-care, telephone- and mobile-based lifestyle program (intervention) or usual care (control). Primary endpoint was the proportion of women able to achieve their weight goal (≥5% weight loss if prepregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or return to prepregnancy weight if prepregnancy BMI < 25 kg/m2) in the intention-to-treat sample. Key secondary outcomes were frequency of glucose intolerance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and lifestyle-related outcomes assessed with self-administered questionnaires. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03559621).

Findings

Between April 10th 2019 and May 13th 2022, 240 participants were assigned to the intervention (n = 121) or control group (n = 119), of which 167 (n = 82 in intervention and n = 85 in control group) completed the study. Primary outcome was achieved by 46.3% (56) of intervention participants compared to 43.3% (52) in the control group [odds ratio (OR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-2.03, p = 0.680; risk ratio 1.07, 95% CI (0.78-1.48)]. Women in the intervention group developed significantly less often metabolic syndrome compared to the control group [7.3% (6) vs. 16.5% (14), OR 0.40, CI (0.22-0.72), p = 0.002], reported less sedentary behaviour and higher motivation for continuing healthy behaviours. In the intervention group, 84.1% (69) attended at least eight telephone sessions and 70.7% (58) used the app at least once weekly.

Interpretation

A blended, mobile-based lifestyle intervention was not effective in achieving weight goals, but reduced the risk to develop metabolic syndrome.

Funding

Research fund of University Hospitals Leuven, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Lilly.

The Fit After Baby randomized controlled trial: An mHealth postpartum lifestyle intervention for women with elevated cardiometabolic risk

BACKGROUND

Postpartum women with overweight/obesity and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at elevated risk for cardiometabolic disease. Postpartum weight loss and lifestyle changes can decrease these risks, yet traditional face-to-face interventions often fail. We adapted the Diabetes Prevention Program into a theory-based mobile health (mHealth) program called Fit After Baby (FAB) and tested FAB in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The FAB program provided 12 weeks of daily evidence-based content, facilitated tracking of weight, diet, and activity, and included weekly coaching and gamification with points and rewards. We randomized women at 6 weeks postpartum 2:1 to FAB or to the publicly available Text4baby (T4B) app (active control). We measured weight and administered behavioral questionnaires at 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months postpartum, and collected app user data.

RESULTS

81 eligible women participated (77% White, 2% Asian, 15% Black, with 23% Hispanic), mean baseline BMI 32±5 kg/m2 and age 31±5 years. FAB participants logged into the app a median of 51/84 (IQR 25,71) days, wore activity trackers 66/84 (IQR 43,84) days, logged weight 17 times (IQR 11,24), and did coach check-ins 5.5/12 (IQR 4,9) weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted data collection for the primary 12-month endpoint, and impacted diet, physical activity, and body weight for many participants. At 12 months postpartum women in the FAB group lost 2.8 kg [95% CI -4.2,-1.4] from baseline compared to a loss of 1.8 kg [95% CI -3.8,+0.3] in the T4B group (p = 0.42 for the difference between groups). In 60 women who reached 12 months postpartum before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, women randomized to FAB lost 4.3 kg [95% CI -6.0,-2.6] compared to loss in the control group of 1.3 kg [95% CI -3.7,+1.1] (p = 0.0451 for the difference between groups).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences between groups for postpartum weight loss for the entire study population. Among those unaffected by the COVID pandemic, women randomized to the FAB program lost significantly more weight than those randomized to the T4B program. The mHealth FAB program demonstrated a substantial level of engagement. Given the scalability and potential public health impact of the FAB program, the efficacy for decreasing cardiometabolic risk by increasing postpartum weight loss should be tested in a larger trial.

Development and usability evaluation of a culturally adapted stroke prevention educational programme on WeChat apps

Background

The persistently high incidence of stroke in many nations is suggestive of an area for further improvement on existing strategies of primary stroke prevention. Although the era of digitalisation has led to the increasing use of mobile applications (apps) in healthcare, more studies are needed to determine the efficacy of apps in producing the desired health outcomes across different nations and cultures.

Objective

To describe the development and evaluate the usability of a mobile app in delivering a culturally adapted stroke prevention educational programme for middle-aged adults in the Republic of China.

Methods

The educational programme was developed in three phases. In Phase 1, the process involved analysing requirements and designing structured modules. Phase 2 concentrated on expert consultation and technical development to deliver the educational programme. Phase 3 included a usability trial and refinement of the educational program based on trial results.

Results

Educational content was derived from the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke and the Dietary Guidelines for Residents. The WeChat platform was used to deliver the educational programme. Participants expressed satisfaction with the content, interface, and functions of the apps, indicating that the apps have good usability.

Conclusions

The development process of the Educational Programme was designed to maximise the culturally appropriate, and impact of lifestyle changes and stroke prevention. An app-based educational programme that has demonstrated good usability is a vital factor prior to deploying it in an intervention to evaluate its effects on health outcomes.

Development and acceptability of a gestational diabetes mellitus prevention system (Better pregnancy) based on a user-centered approach: A clinical feasibility study

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can increase the risk of adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants. Preventive interventions can effectively assist pregnant women suffering from GDM. At present, pregnant women are unaware of the importance of preventing GDM, and they possess a low level of self-management ability. Recently, mHealth technology has been used worldwide. Therefore, developing a mobile health app for GDM prevention could potentially help pregnant women reduce the risk of GDM.

Objective

To design and develop a mobile application, evaluate its acceptance, and understand the users'using experience and suggestions, thus providing a valid tool to assist pregnant women at risk of GDM in enhancing their self-management ability and preventing GDM.

Methods

An evidence-based GDM prevent app (Better pregnancy) was developed using user-centered design methods, following the health belief model, and incorporating GDM risk prediction. A convenient sampling method was employed from June to August 2022 to select 102 pregnant women at risk of GDM for the pilot study. After a week, the app's acceptability was evaluated using an application acceptance questionnaire, and we updated the app based on the feedback from the women. We used SPSS 26.0 for data analysis.

Results

The application offers various functionalities, including GDM risk prediction, health management plan, behavior management, health information, personalized guidance and consultation, peer support, family support, and other functions. In total, 102 pregnant women consented to participate in the study, achieving a retention rate of 98%; however, 2% (n = 2) withdrew. The Better pregnancy app's average acceptability score is 4.07 out of 5. Additionally, participants offered several suggestions aimed at enhancing the application.

Conclusions

The Better pregnancy app developed in this study can serve as an auxiliary management tool for the prevention of GDM, providing a foundation for subsequent randomized controlled trials.

Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis through the Lens of Health Equity

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellites is one of the health problems disproportionally affecting people with low socioeconomic statuses. Gestational diabetes mellites increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to ten-fold for women. Lifestyle interventions prevent type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes. However, it is unknown if similar effectiveness can be expected for all population subgroups.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes using population characteristics according to the PROGRESS (place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital) criteria.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EBM Reviews databases were searched for interventional studies of diet, physical activity, or behavioural interventions published up to 21 February 2023. Random effects subgroup meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of population characteristics and intervention effects.

RESULTS

All studies were conducted in high-income countries or middle-income countries. Two-thirds of the studies reported on race/ethnicity and education level. Less than one-third reported on place (urban/rural), occupation, and socioeconomic status. None reported on religion or social capital. Studies from high-income countries (MD = -1.46; 95% CI: -2.27, -0.66, I2 = 70.46, p < 0.001) showed a greater reduction in bodyweight compared with the studies conducted in middle-income countries (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: -1.12, 0.89, I2 = 69.31, p < 0.001) (p for subgroup difference = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

There are significant equity gaps in the evidence for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes due to reports on population characteristics being poor. Interventions may be less effective in reducing bodyweight in women from middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. Collecting and analysing data related to equity is needed to understand the effect of lifestyle interventions on type 2 diabetes for different population subgroups.

Gestational diabetes mellitus, follow-up of future maternal risk of cardiovascular disease and the use of eHealth technologies-a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Globally, gestational diabetes mellitus complicates 1 in 6 pregnancies and increases future risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the affected women. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal follow-up of these women. eHealth is emerging as a health care tool, but its practical utility and advantages over standard care in the follow-up after pregnancy complications remains to be determined. Our aim was to systematically review the existing literature on cardiovascular follow-up after gestational diabetes, the utility of eHealth technology for this purpose, and to identify research gaps.

METHODS

We performed a systematic scoping review following a published protocol and the Joanna Briggs methodology for studies up until May 2022. Four databases were searched: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Maternity and Infant Care, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Primary research articles and systematic reviews were included in the final analyses. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and performed full text assessment. Data was extracted using a data charting form. In all stages of the process, if consensus was not reached, a third reviewer was consulted. The findings from the data charting process provided the basis for summarizing the findings from the included studies.

RESULTS

The search of the databases generated 2772 hits. After removing duplicates and manually adding a total of 19 studies, reviews, and guidelines, a total of 2769 titles and abstracts were screened, and 97 papers underwent full-text review. In the final analyses, 15 articles and 12 systematic reviews were included, whereas guidelines are presented as supplementary material. No studies were identified that examined follow-up regarding long-term overall cardiovascular risk after gestational diabetes. Various lifestyle interventions were tested for individual cardiovascular risk factors, with diverging effects. eHealth technologies were found acceptable by participants but had no consistent, statistically significant effect on relevant health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review of the existing literature revealed neither an established systematic cardiovascular follow-up strategy for women after gestational diabetes nor evidence that eHealth technologies are superior to conventional follow-up. Further research into the utility of eHealth in cardiovascular follow-up after complicated pregnancies should include longer-term follow-up and core cardiovascular outcomes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The protocol for this scoping review was published at Open Science Framework (osf.io/p5hw6).

Use and Preferences of Health Apps among Women and Healthcare Professionals Regarding GDM Postpartum Care Related to Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication of pregnancy, which is associated with increased risk of future diabetes. mHealth (mobile health, in this paper applications abbreviated to apps) can facilitate health modifications to decrease future risks. This study aims to understand mHealth app use and preferences among women with past GDM and healthcare professionals (HCP) in Australia. An explorative cross-sectional online survey was disseminated via social media, a national diabetes registry, and professional networks. Descriptive analyses were conducted on valid responses (women with prior GDM: n = 1475; HCP: n = 75). One third (33%) of women with prior GDM have used health apps, and a further 80% of non-app users were open to using a health app if recommended by their HCP. Over half (53%) of HCPs supported health information delivery via mHealth, although only 14% had recommended a health app to women post-GDM, and lack of knowledge about mHealth apps was common. Health app users reported that they preferred tracking features, while non-users desired credible health and dietary information and plans. Expanding mHealth app use could facilitate healthy behaviours, but endorsement by HCPs is important to women and is still currently lacking.

Telehealth interventions for physical activity and exercise participation in postpartum women: A quantitative systematic review

Postpartum women are one of the least physically active vulnerable populations globally and telehealth has been proposed as a potential method of delivering effective exercise interventions for this population. However, clinical practice guidelines are based upon the recommendations for the general population and therefore, the most efficacious exercise dose and the delivery method for this population is unclear. This quantitative systematic review will examine the implementation and outcomes of telehealth exercise interventions in the postpartum population to synthesise the degree to which these outcomes have been assessed and evaluated. Five databases were searched from January 2001 to March 2022. Studies implementing synchronous telehealth exercise interventions for postpartum women were included. Interventions were examined against the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist that assesses intervention reporting completeness and replicability. Of the 1036 records identified, 16 studies progressed to data extraction. Six interventions provided individualised exercise prescription, and only four were delivered by university-level exercise practitioners. Physical activity participation was well reported, however health-related outcomes (i.e., muscular strength and aerobic capacity) were very minimally assessed. Only one intervention utilised modern video conferencing as the primary telehealth communication method. With the minimal assessment of health-related outcomes, there is limited scope to assess the effectiveness of these interventions for postpartum women. Future research interventions need to be reported according to a validated trial reporting system and focus on relevant health related outcomes including postpartum depressive symptoms, quality of life, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and body composition.

Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Lifestyle Interventions on Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that causes poor glucose tolerance during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth. Having GDM impacts the mother and baby. Smartphone-based lifestyle interventions may offer innovative solutions.

Aim

To examine the effects of smartphone-based lifestyle interventions on compliance, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), maternal outcomes, infant outcomes, psychological status, satisfaction, and cost effectiveness among women with GDM.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of smartphone-based lifestyle interventions for women with GDM aged over 18 years were included. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for articles published from January 2007 to March 2022 and updated on 12 October 2022. Data were extracted independently by two researchers, and the risk of bias in individual trials was rated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3.

Results

Ten studies were included involving 1626 participants. The mean ages of the women were 32.42 ±4.68 years. Eight out of 10 studies were conducted in developed countries. Meta-analysis found that smartphone-based lifestyle interventions statistically improved compliance [SMD = 7.36, 95% CI = (4.05 to 10.68), P < 0.0001] and decreased the incidences of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission [RR = 0.64, 95% CI = (0.47,0.86), P = 0.003], compared with controls. However, intervention effects on HbA1c, maternal outcomes, neonatal hypoglycemia, and infant birth weight were non significant. Moreover, the satisfaction of intervention is high in this review. Contrastingly, no significant effects were observed for psychological status and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Smartphone-based lifestyle interventions may improve patient compliance and reduce NICU admissions. These findings may aid in developing future intervention strategies, help elucidate future research directions, and guide clinical practice for women with GDM. Future high-quality RCTs must be further studied at larger scales to examine smartphone-based lifestyle interventions' long-term effects and cost-effectiveness.

The Impact of Nutrition-Based Interventions on Nutritional Status and Metabolic Health in Small Island Developing States: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Small island developing states (SIDS) have a high burden of nutrition-related disease associated with nutrient-poor, energy-dense diets. In response to these issues, we assessed the effectiveness of nutrition-based interventions on nutritional status (under-nutrition) and metabolic health (over-nutrition) among persons in SIDS. We included SIDS-based nutrition studies with change in nutrition status (e.g., markers of anaemia) or metabolic status (e.g., markers of glycaemia) as outcomes. The PRISMA framework was applied and MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, OARE library, Web of Science, Scopus, ASSIA, EconLit, AGORA, AGRICOLA, AGRIS, WHO-EMRO, and LILACS were searched (2000−2020). Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) and Cochrane ROBINS-I tools assessed ROB for randomised and non-randomised studies, respectively. PROSPERO registration (CRD42021236396) was undertaken. We included 50 eligible interventions, involving 37,591 participants: 14 trials reported on nutritional status, 36 on metabolic health. Effective interventions, evaluated at the individual level, took a multifaceted approach for metabolic outcomes; while nutrition outcomes utilised supplements. Most intervention types were suitable for issues related to ‘over’ nutrition versus ‘under’ nutrition. Twenty-six studies (nutrition status (six); metabolic health (twenty)) were effective (p < 0.05). With the current rise of nutrition-related public health challenges, there is a need for further development and evaluation of these and related interventions at the population level.

Motivation and Limiting Factors for Adherence to Weight Loss Interventions among Patients with Obesity in Primary Care

The cornerstones of obesity management are diet, physical activity and behavioral change. However, there is considerable scientific evidence that lifestyle interventions to treat obesity are rarely implemented in primary care. The aim of this study is to analyze motivation to lose weight among patients with obesity, the resources implemented by primary care centers to promote behavioral change and the limiting factors reported by the patients themselves when attempting to lose weight. A total of 209 patients diagnosed with obesity were interviewed. The variables were obtained from both electronic clinical records (sex, age, BMI, diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and records of activities prescribed to promote behavioral change) and a self-administered personal questionnaire. A total of 67.5% of the respondents reported not having sufficient motivation to adhere to a weight loss program. Records of behavioral change activities were identified in only 3% of the clinical records reviewed. The barriers to adherence to diet and exercise plans most frequently mentioned by patients were not having a prescribed diet (27.8%), joint pain (17.7%), getting tired or bored of dieting (14.8%) and laziness (11.5%). Both the high percentage of patients reporting insufficient motivation to lose weight and the barriers to weight loss identified suggest that patients feel the need to improve their motivation, which should be promoted through primary care.

Mobile health as a primary mode of intervention for women at risk of, or diagnosed with, gestational diabetes mellitus: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to map the knowledge related to the use of mHealth as a primary mode of intervention for the prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its long-term implications among women at risk of or diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. We also sought to understand if mHealth for women at risk of or diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus incorporated relevant behavior change theory and techniques.

INTRODUCTION

Prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its associated adverse outcomes are important to maternal and infant health. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus report high burden of disease management and barriers to lifestyle change post-delivery, which mHealth interventions may help to overcome. Evidence suggests apps could help gestational diabetes mellitus prevention and management, however, less is known about broader applications of mHealth from preconception to interconception and whether relevant behavior change techniques are incorporated.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies published in English that focused on mHealth use as primary mode of intervention for the prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its long-term implications were considered for inclusion. Telehealth or telemedicine were excluded as these have been reviewed elsewhere.

METHODS

Six databases were searched: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Database (Wiley), Scopus, and TRIP. No limits were applied to database exploration periods to ensure retrieval of all relevant studies. Gray literature sources searched were OpenGrey, ISRCTN Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, and ANZCTR. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and assessed full texts against the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using an adapted version of the JBI data extraction instrument. Data are presented in narrative form accompanied by tables and figures.

RESULTS

This review identified 2166 sources, of which 96 full texts were screened. Thirty eligible reports were included, covering 25 different mHealth interventions. Over half (n = 14) were for self-managing blood glucose during pregnancy. Common features included tracking blood glucose levels, real-time feedback, communication with professionals, and educational information. Few (n = 6) mHealth interventions were designed for postpartum use and none for interconception use. Five for postpartum use supported behavior change to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and included additional features such as social support functions and integrated rewards. Early development and feasibility studies used mixed methods to assess usability and acceptability. Later stage evaluations of effectiveness typically used randomized controlled trial designs to measure clinical outcomes such as glycemic control and reduced body weight. Three mHealth interventions were developed using behavior change theory. Most mHealth interventions incorporated two behavior change techniques shown to be optimal when combined and those delivering behavior change interventions included a wider range. Nevertheless, only half of the 26 techniques listed in a published behavior change taxonomy were tried.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth for gestational diabetes mellitus focuses on apps to improve clinical outcomes. This focus could be broadened by incorporating existing resources that women value, such as social media, to address needs, such as peer support. Although nearly all mHealth interventions incorporated behavior change techniques, findings suggest future development should consider selecting techniques that target women's needs and barriers. Lack of mHealth interventions for prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence and type 2 diabetes mellitus suggests further development and evaluation is required.

Views and needs of people who at high-risk of gestational diabetes mellitus for the development of mobile health applications: A descriptive qualitative research (Preprint)

Background

Early prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can reduce the incidence of not only GDM, but also adverse perinatal pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, it is of great significance to prevent or reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can help pregnant women effectively prevent GDM by providing risk prediction, lifestyle support, peer support, professional support, and other functions. Before designing mHealth apps, developers must understand the views and needs of pregnant women, and closely combine users’ needs to develop app functions, in order to better improve user experience and increase the usage rate of these apps in the future.

Objective

The objective of this study was to understand the views of the high-risk population of gestational diabetes mellitus on the development of mobile health apps and the demand for app functions, so as to provide a basis for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus prevention apps.

Methods

Fifteen pregnant women with at least one risk factor for gestational diabetes were recruited from July to September 2021, and were interviewed via a semistructured interview using the purpose sampling method. The transcribed data were analyzed by the traditional content analysis method, and themes were extracted.

Results

Respondents wanted to develop user-friendly and fully functional mobile apps for the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women's requirements for app function development include: personalized customization, accurate information support, interactive design, practical tool support, visual presentation, convenient professional support, peer support, reasonable reminder function, appropriate maternal and infant auxiliary function, and differentiated incentive function.These function settings can encourage pregnant women to improve or maintain healthy living habits during their use of the app

Conclusions

This study discusses the functional requirements of target users for gestational diabetes mellitus prevention apps, which can provide reference for the development of future applications.