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Pagoto S, Lueders N, Palmer L, Idiong C, Bannor R, Xu R, Ingels S. Best Practices for Designing and Testing Behavioral and Health Communication Interventions for Delivery in Private Facebook Groups: Tutorial. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e58627. [PMID: 39231426 PMCID: PMC11411228 DOI: 10.2196/58627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Facebook, the most popular social media platform in the United States, is used by 239 million US adults, which represents 71% of the population. Not only do most US adults use Facebook but they also spend an average of 40 minutes per day on the platform. Due to Facebook's reach and ease of use, it is increasingly being used as a modality for delivering behavioral and health communication interventions. Typically, a Facebook-delivered intervention involves creating a private group to deliver intervention content for participants to engage with asynchronously. In many interventions, a counselor is present to facilitate discussions and provide feedback and support. Studies of Facebook-delivered interventions have been conducted on a variety of topics, and they vary widely in terms of the intervention content used in the group, use of human counselors, group size, engagement, and other characteristics. In addition, results vary widely and may depend on how well the intervention was executed and the degree to which it elicited engagement among participants. Best practices for designing and delivering behavioral intervention content for asynchronous delivery in Facebook groups are lacking, as are best practices for engaging participants via this modality. In this tutorial, we propose best practices for the use of private Facebook groups for delivery and testing the efficacy of behavioral or health communication interventions, including converting traditional intervention content into Facebook posts; creating protocols for onboarding, counseling, engagement, and data management; designing and branding intervention content; and using engagement data to optimize engagement and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | | | - Lindsay Palmer
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Christie Idiong
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Richard Bannor
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Pagoto SL, Goetz JM, Xu R, Wang ML, Palmer L, Lemon SC. Randomized non-inferiority trial comparing an asynchronous remotely-delivered versus clinic-delivered lifestyle intervention. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41366-024-01617-0. [PMID: 39191926 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01617-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lifestyle interventions are effective, but those delivered via in-person group meetings have poor scalability and reach. Research is needed to establish if remotely delivered lifestyle interventions are non-inferior to in-person delivered lifestyle interventions. METHODS We conducted a randomized non-inferiority trial (N = 329) to compare a lifestyle intervention delivered remotely and asynchronously via an online social network (Get Social condition) to one delivered via in-person groups (Traditional condition). We hypothesized that the Get Social condition would result in a mean percent weight loss at 12 months that was not inferior to the Traditional condition. Additional outcomes included intervention delivery costs per pound lost and acceptability (e.g., convenience, support, modality preferences). RESULTS At 12 months, no significant difference in percent weight change was observed between the Get Social and Traditional conditions (2.7% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.17) however, criteria for non-inferiority were not met. The Get Social condition costs $21.45 per pound lost versus $26.24 for the Traditional condition. A greater percentage of Get Social condition participants rated participation as convenient (65% vs 44%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Results revealed a remotely-delivered asynchronous lifestyle intervention resulted in slightly less weight loss than an in-person version but may be more economical and convenient. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02646618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02646618 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Jared M Goetz
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Monica L Wang
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay Palmer
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Stephenie C Lemon
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Worcester, MA, USA
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Côté J, Chicoine G, Vinette B, Auger P, Rouleau G, Fontaine G, Jutras-Aswad D. Digital Interventions for Recreational Cannabis Use Among Young Adults: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Behavior Change Technique Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e55031. [PMID: 38630515 PMCID: PMC11063887 DOI: 10.2196/55031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of cannabis use among young adults poses substantial global health concerns due to the associated acute and long-term health and psychosocial risks. Digital modalities, including websites, digital platforms, and mobile apps, have emerged as promising tools to enhance the accessibility and availability of evidence-based interventions for young adults for cannabis use. However, existing reviews do not consider young adults specifically, combine cannabis-related outcomes with those of many other substances in their meta-analytical results, and do not solely target interventions for cannabis use. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and active ingredients of digital interventions designed specifically for cannabis use among young adults living in the community. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of 7 databases for empirical studies published between database inception and February 13, 2023, assessing the following outcomes: cannabis use (frequency, quantity, or both) and cannabis-related negative consequences. The reference lists of included studies were consulted, and forward citation searching was also conducted. We included randomized studies assessing web- or mobile-based interventions that included a comparator or control group. Studies were excluded if they targeted other substance use (eg, alcohol), did not report cannabis use separately as an outcome, did not include young adults (aged 16-35 y), had unpublished data, were delivered via teleconference through mobile phones and computers or in a hospital-based setting, or involved people with mental health disorders or substance use disorders or dependence. Data were independently extracted by 2 reviewers using a pilot-tested extraction form. Authors were contacted to clarify study details and obtain additional data. The characteristics of the included studies, study participants, digital interventions, and their comparators were summarized. Meta-analysis results were combined using a random-effects model and pooled as standardized mean differences. RESULTS Of 6606 unique records, 19 (0.29%) were included (n=6710 participants). Half (9/19, 47%) of these articles reported an intervention effect on cannabis use frequency. The digital interventions included in the review were mostly web-based. A total of 184 behavior change techniques were identified across the interventions (range 5-19), and feedback on behavior was the most frequently used (17/19, 89%). Digital interventions for young adults reduced cannabis use frequency at the 3-month follow-up compared to control conditions (including passive and active controls) by -6.79 days of use in the previous month (95% CI -9.59 to -4.00; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the potential of digital interventions to reduce cannabis use in young adults but raise important questions about what optimal exposure dose could be more effective, both in terms of intervention duration and frequency. Further high-quality research is still needed to investigate the effects of digital interventions on cannabis use among young adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020196959; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=196959.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Côté
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Chicoine
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Billy Vinette
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Auger
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Rouleau
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Saint-Jérôme, QC, Canada
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Guillaume Fontaine
- Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Randell RL, Hornik CP, Curtis L, Hernandez AF, Denwood T, Nebeker C, Sugarman J, Tyl B, Murakami M, Oley Wilberforce L, Pagoto S, Vedin O, Andersson T, Carrasquillo O, Dolor R, Kollins SH, Pellegrino J, Ranney ML. "Click and mortar" opportunities for digitization and consumerism in trials. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 132:107304. [PMID: 37481202 PMCID: PMC10530120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digitization (using novel digital tools and strategies) and consumerism (taking a consumer-oriented approach) are increasingly commonplace in clinical trials, but the implications of these changes are not well described. METHODS We assembled a group of trial experts from academia, industry, non-profit, and government to discuss implications of this changing trial landscape and provide guidance. RESULTS Digitization and consumerism can increase the volume and diversity of trial participants and expedite recruitment. However, downstream bottlenecks, challenges with retention, and serious issues with equity, ethics, and security can result. A "click and mortar" approach, combining approaches from novel and traditional trials with the thoughtful use of technology, may optimally balance opportunities and challenges facing many trials. CONCLUSION We offer expert guidance and three "click and mortar" approaches to digital, consumer-oriented trials. More guidance and research are needed to navigate the associated opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Randell
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Christoph P Hornik
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lesley Curtis
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Adrian F Hernandez
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tom Denwood
- Population Health Partners LLPShort Hills, NJ, USA
| | - Camille Nebeker
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Berman Institute of Bioethics and Department of Medicine,Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benoit Tyl
- Bayer Healthcare SAS, La Garenne Colombes, France
| | | | | | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Olveen Carrasquillo
- Division of General Internal Medicine Co-Director, Miami Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rowena Dolor
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott H Kollins
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Akili, Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Megan L Ranney
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Pagoto S, Xu R, Bullard T, Foster GD, Bannor R, Arcangel K, DiVito J, Schroeder M, Cardel MI. An Evaluation of a Personalized Multicomponent Commercial Digital Weight Management Program: Single-Arm Behavioral Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44955. [PMID: 37642986 PMCID: PMC10498321 DOI: 10.2196/44955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital behavioral weight loss programs are scalable and effective, and they provide an opportunity to personalize intervention components. However, more research is needed to test the acceptability and efficacy of personalized digital behavioral weight loss interventions. OBJECTIVE In a 6-month single-arm trial, we examined weight loss, acceptability, and secondary outcomes of a digital commercial weight loss program (WeightWatchers). This digital program included a personalized weight loss program based on sex, age, height, weight, and personal food preferences, as well as synchronous (eg, virtual workshops and individual weekly check-ins) and asynchronous (eg, mobile app and virtual group) elements. In addition to a personalized daily and weekly PersonalPoints target, the program provided users with personalized lists of ≥300 ZeroPoint foods, which are foods that do not need to be weighed, measured, or tracked. METHODS We conducted a pre-post evaluation of this 6-month, digitally delivered, and personalized WeightWatchers weight management program on weight loss at 3 and 6 months in adults with overweight and obesity. The secondary outcomes included participation, satisfaction, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, sleep quality, hunger, food cravings, quality of life, self-compassion, well-being, and behavioral automaticity. RESULTS Of the 153 participants, 107 (69.9%) were female, and 65 (42.5%) identified as being from a minoritized racial or ethnic group. Participants' mean age was 41.09 (SD 13.78) years, and their mean BMI was 31.8 (SD 5.0) kg/m2. Participants had an average weight change of -4.25% (SD 3.93%) from baseline to 3 months and -5.05% (SD 5.59%) from baseline to 6 months. At 6 months, the percentages of participants who experienced ≥3%, ≥5%, and ≥10% weight loss were 63.4% (97/153), 51% (78/153), and 14.4% (22/153), respectively. The mean percentage of weeks in which participants engaged in ≥1 aspects of the program was 87.53% (SD 23.40%) at 3 months and 77.67% (SD 28.69%) at 6 months. Retention was high (132/153, 86.3%), and more than two-thirds (94/140, 67.1%) of the participants reported that the program helped them lose weight. Significant improvements were observed in fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, sleep quality, hunger, food cravings, quality of life, and well-being (all P values <.01). CONCLUSIONS This personalized, digital, and scalable behavioral weight management program resulted in clinically significant weight loss in half (78/153, 51%) of the participants as well as improvements in behavioral and psychosocial outcomes. Future research should compare personalized digital weight loss programs with generic programs on weight loss, participation, and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | | | | | - Richard Bannor
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Kaylei Arcangel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Joseph DiVito
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Matthew Schroeder
- Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Remotely delivered and clinic-delivered lifestyle interventions produced similar effects on the diet quality of participants. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Bonar EE, Chapman L, Pagoto S, Tan CY, Duval ER, McAfee J, Collins RL, Walton MA. Social media interventions addressing physical activity among emerging adults who use cannabis: A pilot trial of feasibility and acceptability. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 242:109693. [PMID: 36442441 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabis use is common among emerging adults (ages 18-25), yet few prevention interventions have targeted this unique developmental period. Physical activity (PA) is an under-utilized intervention target for cannabis use, despite research showing its potential utility. Based on prior promising social media-delivered interventions targeting cannabis and PA separately, we developed and piloted, in a randomized controlled feasibility trial (NCT04901910), interventions for emerging adults who use cannabis that focused on PA. PROCEDURES Using social media, we recruited 60 emerging adults (Mean age=21.7 years; 63.3% female sex) who used cannabis (>=3 times/week for the past month) and could engage in PA. We randomized participants into one of 3 conditions (PA-Only; PA+Cannabis, Attention-Control) that each lasted 8 weeks and were delivered in secret Facebook groups by health coaches. We collected follow-up data at 3- and 6-months post-group start. Outcomes are presented descriptively given the pilot nature and limited sample size. RESULTS The interventions were rated favorably, with ratings of the content in each condition averaging around 3 on a 5-point scale. Both intervention groups demonstrated larger reductions in cannabis consequences and cannabis-impaired driving over time than the control condition. Findings were mixed regarding patterns of change in cannabis use in the intervention conditions. Proportions of group members reporting increased PA ranged from 38.9% to 80.0% across time. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting PA and delivered via social media to emerging adults who regularly use cannabis offer a novel intervention target. These interventions warrant future investigation in larger trials over a longer follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bonar
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 10, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Lyndsay Chapman
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Road, Unit 1248, Storrs, CT 06268, USA
| | - Chiu Yi Tan
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Duval
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Rachel Upjohn Building, 4250 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jenna McAfee
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Back and Pain Center, 325. E. Eisenhower Parkway, Building 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - R Lorraine Collins
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Maureen A Walton
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 10, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Xu R, Divito J, Bannor R, Schroeder M, Pagoto S. Predicting Participant Engagement in a Social Media-Delivered Lifestyle Intervention Using Microlevel Conversational Data: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38068. [PMID: 35900824 PMCID: PMC9377444 DOI: 10.2196/38068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media-delivered lifestyle interventions have shown promising outcomes, often generating modest but significant weight loss. Participant engagement appears to be an important predictor of weight loss outcomes; however, engagement generally declines over time and is highly variable both within and across studies. Research on factors that influence participant engagement remains scant in the context of social media-delivered lifestyle interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify predictors of participant engagement from the content generated during a social media-delivered lifestyle intervention, including characteristics of the posts, the conversation that followed the post, and participants' previous engagement patterns. METHODS We performed secondary analyses using data from a pilot randomized trial that delivered 2 lifestyle interventions via Facebook. We analyzed 80 participants' engagement data over a 16-week intervention period and linked them to predictors, including characteristics of the posts, conversations that followed the post, and participants' previous engagement, using a mixed-effects model. We also performed machine learning-based classification to confirm the importance of the significant predictors previously identified and explore how well these measures can predict whether participants will engage with a specific post. RESULTS The probability of participants' engagement with each post decreased by 0.28% each week (P<.001; 95% CI 0.16%-0.4%). The probability of participants engaging with posts generated by interventionists was 6.3% (P<.001; 95% CI 5.1%-7.5%) higher than posts generated by other participants. Participants also had a 6.5% (P<.001; 95% CI 4.9%-8.1%) and 6.1% (P<.001; 95% CI 4.1%-8.1%) higher probability of engaging with posts that directly mentioned weight and goals, respectively, than other types of posts. Participants were 44.8% (P<.001; 95% CI 42.8%-46.9%) and 46% (P<.001; 95% CI 44.1%-48.0%) more likely to engage with a post when they were replied to by other participants and by interventionists, respectively. A 1 SD decrease in the sentiment of the conversation on a specific post was associated with a 5.4% (P<.001; 95% CI 4.9%-5.9%) increase in the probability of participants' subsequent engagement with the post. Participants' engagement in previous posts was also a predictor of engagement in subsequent posts (P<.001; 95% CI 0.74%-0.79%). Moreover, using a machine learning approach, we confirmed the importance of the predictors previously identified and achieved an accuracy of 90.9% in terms of predicting participants' engagement using a balanced testing sample with 1600 observations. CONCLUSIONS Findings revealed several predictors of engagement derived from the content generated by interventionists and other participants. Results have implications for increasing engagement in asynchronous, remotely delivered lifestyle interventions, which could improve outcomes. Our results also point to the potential of data science and natural language processing to analyze microlevel conversational data and identify factors influencing participant engagement. Future studies should validate these results in larger trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02656680; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02656680.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Joseph Divito
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Richard Bannor
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Matthew Schroeder
- Center for Aging Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Waring ME, Pagoto SL, Moore Simas TA, Heersping G, Rudin LR, Arcangel K. Feedback on Instagram posts for a gestational weight gain intervention. Transl Behav Med 2022; 12:568-575. [PMID: 35191497 PMCID: PMC9150071 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle interventions can facilitate healthy gestational weight gain but attending in-person meetings can be challenging. High rates of use and the popularity of pregnancy content suggests Instagram as a possible platform for delivering gestational weight gain interventions. We assessed the logistics and acceptability of creating a private Instagram group and to obtain feedback on intervention posts. We conducted a 2-week study with pregnant women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity who use Instagram daily. Participants created a private Instagram account and followed other participants and a moderator who shared twice-daily posts about physical activity and healthy eating during pregnancy. Participants provided feedback through a follow-up survey and focus group/interviews. Engagement data was abstracted from Instagram. Participants (N = 11) were on average 26.3 (SD: 7.4) weeks gestation and 54% had obesity pre-pregnancy. All participants followed the moderator's account, 73% followed all other participants, participants engaged with 100% of study posts, 82% felt comfortable sharing in the group, and 73% would participate in a similar group if pregnant in the future. While participants felt the posts were visually attractive and included helpful information, they wanted more personalized content and felt reluctant to post photos they felt were not "Instagram worthy." Moderators should foster an environment in which participants feel comfortable posting unedited, authentic photos of their lives, perhaps by sharing personal photos that are relatable and represent their own imperfect lives. Results will inform further development and testing of an Instagram-delivered gestational weight gain intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences and UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences and UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School/UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Grace Heersping
- Department of Allied Health Sciences and UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Lauren R Rudin
- Department of Allied Health Sciences and UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Kaylei Arcangel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences and UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Pagoto SL, Schroeder MW, Xu R, Waring ME, Groshon L, Goetz JM, Idiong C, Troy H, DiVito J, Bannor R. A Facebook-Delivered Weight Loss Intervention Using Open Enrollment: Randomized Pilot Feasibility Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e33663. [PMID: 35522466 PMCID: PMC9123537 DOI: 10.2196/33663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral weight loss programs typically enroll 12-40 people into groups that then suffer from declining engagement over time. Web-based patient communities, on the other hand, typically offer no limits on capacity and membership is fluid. This model may be useful for boosting engagement in behavioral weight loss interventions, which could lead to better outcomes. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of continuously enrolling participants into a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention for the first 8 of 16 weeks relative to the same intervention where no new participants were enrolled after randomization. METHODS We conducted a randomized pilot trial to compare a Facebook weight loss group that used open enrollment with a group that used closed enrollment on feasibility and acceptability in adults with BMI 27-45 kg/m2. The feasibility outcomes included retention, engagement, and diet tracking adherence. We described the percentage loss of ≥5% weight in both groups as an exploratory outcome. We also explored the relationship between total volume of activity in the group and weight loss. The participants provided feedback via web-based surveys and focus groups. RESULTS Randomized participants (68/80, 85% women) were on average, aged 40.2 (SD 11.2) years with a mean BMI of 34.4 (SD 4.98) kg/m2. We enrolled an additional 54 participants (50/54, 93% female) in the open enrollment condition between weeks 1 and 8, resulting in a total group size of 94. Retention was 88% and 98% under the open and closed conditions, respectively. Randomized participants across conditions did not differ in engagement (P=.72), or diet tracking adherence (P=.42). Participant feedback in both conditions revealed that sense of community was what they liked most about the program and not enough individualized feedback was what they liked the least. Weight loss of ≥5% was achieved by 30% (12/40) of the participants randomized to the open enrollment condition and 18% (7/40) of the participants in the closed enrollment condition. Exploratory analyses revealed that the open condition (median 385, IQR 228-536.5) had a greater volume of engagement than the closed condition (median 215, IQR 145.5-292; P=.007). Furthermore, an increase of 100 in the total volume of engagement in the Facebook group each week was associated with an additional 0.1% weekly weight loss among the randomized participants (P=.02), which was independent of time, individual participant engagement, and sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Open enrollment was as feasible and acceptable as closed enrollment. A greater volume of engagement in the Facebook group was associated with weight loss, suggesting that larger groups that produce more engagement overall may be beneficial. Future research should examine the efficacy of the open enrollment approach for weight loss in a fully powered randomized trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02656680; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02656680.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Matthew W Schroeder
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Molly E Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Laurie Groshon
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jared M Goetz
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Christie Idiong
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Haley Troy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Joseph DiVito
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Richard Bannor
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Collaboration in Health, Interventions, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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11
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Jake-Schoffman DE, Brown SD, Baiocchi M, Bibeau JL, Daubenmier J, Ferrara A, Galarce MN, Hartogensis W, Hecht FM, Hedderson MM, Moran PJ, Pagoto SL, Tsai AL, Waring ME, Kiernan M. Methods-Motivational Interviewing Approach for Enhanced Retention and Attendance. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:606-617. [PMID: 34544560 PMCID: PMC9302384 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suboptimal and differential participant engagement in randomized trials-including retention at primary outcome assessments and attendance at intervention sessions-undermines rigor, internal validity, and trial conclusions. METHODS First, this study describes Methods-Motivational Interviewing approach and strategies for implementation. This approach engages potential participants before randomization through interactive, prerequisite orientation sessions that illustrate the scientific rationale behind trial methods in accessible language and use motivational interviewing to diffuse ambivalence about participation. Then, this study examines the potential improvements in retention (proportion of participants assessed at follow-up visits) and attendance (e.g., mean percentage of intervention sessions attended, percentage of participants who attended 0 sessions) in 3 randomized weight-management trials that quickly added prerequisite orientations to their protocols following early signs of suboptimal or differential participant engagement (Supporting Health by Integrating Nutrition and Exercise [2009-2013, n=194]; Get Social [2016-2020, n=217]; GestationaL Weight Gain and Optimal Wellness [2014-2018, n=389]). Using a pre-post analytical design, adjusted estimates from regression models controlling for condition and assessment timepoint (analyses from 2020) are reported. RESULTS After adding prerequisite orientations, all 3 trials attained higher participant engagement. Retention at assessments was 11.4% and 17.3% higher (Get Social and Supporting Health by Integrating Nutrition and Exercise, respectively). Mean percentage of attendance at intervention sessions was 8.8% higher (GestationaL Weight Gain and Optimal Wellness), and 10.1% fewer participants attended 0 intervention sessions (Get Social). Descriptively, all the remaining retention and attendance outcomes were consistently higher but were nonsignificant. Across the trials, adding prerequisite orientations did not impact the proportion of eligible participants enrolled or the baseline demographics. CONCLUSIONS The Methods-Motivational Interviewing approach shows promise for increasing the rigor of randomized trials and is readily adaptable to in-person, webinar, and conference call formats. TRIAL REGISTRATION All 3 trials are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (Supporting Health by Integrating Nutrition and Exercise: NCT00960414; Get Social: NCT02646618; and GestationaL Weight Gain and Optimal Wellness: NCT02130232).
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Jake-Schoffman
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
| | - Susan D Brown
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California; Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jessica L Bibeau
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Jennifer Daubenmier
- The Institute for Holistic Health Studies, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
| | - Assiamira Ferrara
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Maren N Galarce
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Wendy Hartogensis
- UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Frederick M Hecht
- UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Monique M Hedderson
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Patricia J Moran
- UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Ai-Lin Tsai
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Molly E Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Michaela Kiernan
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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12
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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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13
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Waring ME, Libby BA, Moore Simas TA, Bracken ML, Bibeau JL, Herrera V, Wang J, Pagoto SL. Delivering a Post-Partum Weight Loss Intervention via Facebook or In-Person Groups: Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Pilot Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e15530. [PMID: 31778116 PMCID: PMC6908979 DOI: 10.2196/15530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum weight retention contributes to long-term weight gain and obesity for many women. Lifestyle interventions with numerous visits are logistically challenging for many postpartum women. Delivering a lifestyle intervention via social media may overcome logistic challenges to participation in in-person weight loss programs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized feasibility pilot trial of a 6-month postpartum weight loss intervention delivered via Facebook or in-person groups with 72 postpartum women with overweight or obesity. METHODS Women with overweight or obesity who are 8 weeks to 12 months postpartum (N=72) will be recruited from the Hartford, Connecticut community. Eligible participants must also own an iPhone or Android smartphone and be an active Facebook user. Participants will receive a 6-month postpartum weight loss intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention and adapted for postpartum women. Participants will be randomized to receive the intervention via a private Facebook group or in-person group meetings. Assessments will occur at baseline, weekly during the intervention, at 6 months (at the end of the intervention), and at 12 months. Primary feasibility outcomes are recruitment, sustained participation, contamination, retention, and feasibility of assessment procedures including measurement of costs to deliver and receive the intervention. We will describe 6- and 12-month weight loss as an exploratory outcome. RESULTS Recruitment began in September 2018. The first wave of the intervention began in February 2019, and the second wave of the intervention is expected to begin in fall 2019. We anticipate completing follow-up assessments in fall 2020, and results will be analyzed at that time. CONCLUSIONS Results will inform the design of a large randomized controlled trial to assess whether delivering a postpartum weight loss intervention via Facebook is noninferior for weight loss and more cost-effective than delivering the intervention via traditional in-person groups. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Brooke A Libby
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School/UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School/UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School/UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Madison L Bracken
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Jessica L Bibeau
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Valeria Herrera
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Justin Wang
- Social Sciences Department, Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, RI, United States
| | - Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Shurlock J, Marino K, Ahmed O. What do Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) doctors look like online? A cross-sectional exploration of the social media presence of SEM doctors in the UK. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2019; 4:bmjsem-2018-000456. [PMID: 30774972 PMCID: PMC6350706 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To explore the social media presence of Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) doctors from the UK. Secondary aims were to identify whether there were any differences in years since qualification or specialisation between those with and without social media profiles and websites. Methods A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the social media presence of UK-based doctors listed as Fellows of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine. These SEM doctors were identified via their presence on publicly available member lists. Data collected for each SEM Fellow included the presence of profiles on major social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and professional Facebook profiles) demonstrated by active profile use and the number of followers/subscribers per platform. The ownership of professional websites and websites hosted by private healthcare providers was also examined. Results A total of 175 SEM Fellows were identified and included for analysis. LinkedIn was the most popular platform for this cohort (n=115), followed by Twitter (n=73), while YouTube had far fewer profiles among the SEM Fellows (n=9). No professional Facebook profiles were identified for the SEM Doctors in this study. Almost a third (n=49) of SEM Fellows did not have a profile on any of the social media platforms examined in this study. Conclusion Social media is a powerful tool for health promotion and education. The use of these platforms by SEM Doctors and healthcare organisations warrants ongoing guidance and support to enable these practitioners to maximise the utility of these innovative technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Shurlock
- Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Katherine Marino
- Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Osman Ahmed
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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15
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Waring ME, Jake-Schoffman DE, Holovatska MM, Mejia C, Williams JC, Pagoto SL. Social Media and Obesity in Adults: a Review of Recent Research and Future Directions. Curr Diab Rep 2018; 18:34. [PMID: 29671135 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-018-1001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Social media is widely used and has potential to connect adults with obesity with information and social support for weight loss and to deliver lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent observational and intervention research on social media and obesity. RECENT FINDINGS Online patient communities for weight loss abound but may include misinformation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that social media-delivered lifestyle interventions modestly impact weight, yet how social media was used and participant engagement varies widely. The rapidly changing social media landscape poses challenges for patients, clinicians, and researchers. Research is needed on how patients can establish supportive communities for weight loss and the role of clinicians in these communities. Emerging research on meaningful engagement in, and the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of, social media-delivered lifestyle interventions should provide insights into how to leverage social media to address the obesity epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA.
| | - Danielle E Jake-Schoffman
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marta M Holovatska
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
| | - Claudia Mejia
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
| | - Jamasia C Williams
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Sherry L Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
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