Development of Web-Based Education Modules to Improve Carer Engagement in Cancer Care: Design and User Experience Evaluation of the e-Triadic Oncology (eTRIO) Modules for Clinicians, Patients, and Carers

BACKGROUND

Carers often assume key roles in cancer care. However, many carers report feeling disempowered and ill-equipped to support patients. Our group published evidence-based guidelines (the Triadic Oncology [TRIO] Guidelines) to improve oncology clinician engagement with carers and the management of challenging situations involving carers.

OBJECTIVE

To facilitate implementation of the TRIO Guidelines in clinical practice, we aimed to develop, iteratively refine, and conduct user testing of a suite of evidence-based and interactive web-based education modules for oncology clinicians (e-Triadic Oncology [eTRIO]), patients with cancer, and carers (eTRIO for Patients and Carers [eTRIO-pc]). These were designed to improve carer involvement, communication, and shared decision-making in the cancer management setting.

METHODS

The eTRIO education modules were based on extensive research, including systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and consultation analyses. Guided by the person-based approach, module content and design were reviewed by an expert advisory group comprising academic and clinical experts (n=13) and consumers (n=5); content and design were continuously and iteratively refined. User experience testing (including "think-aloud" interviews and administration of the System Usability Scale [SUS]) of the modules was completed by additional clinicians (n=5), patients (n=3), and carers (n=3).

RESULTS

The final clinician module comprises 14 sections, requires approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and covers topics such as carer-inclusive communication and practices; supporting carer needs; and managing carer dominance, anger, and conflicting patient-carer wishes. The usability of the module was rated by 5 clinicians, with a mean SUS score of 75 (SD 5.3), which is interpreted as good. Clinicians often desired information in a concise format, divided into small "snackable" sections that could be easily recommenced if they were interrupted. The carer module features 11 sections; requires approximately 1.5 hours to complete; and includes topics such as the importance of carers, carer roles during consultations, and advocating for the patient. The patient module is an adaptation of the relevant carer module sections, comprising 7 sections and requiring 1 hour to complete. The average SUS score as rated by 6 patients and carers was 78 (SD 16.2), which is interpreted as good. Interactive activities, clinical vignette videos, and reflective learning exercises are incorporated into all modules. Patient and carer consumer advisers advocated for empathetic content and tone throughout their modules, with an easy-to-read and navigable module interface.

CONCLUSIONS

The eTRIO suite of modules were rigorously developed using a person-based design methodology to meet the unique information needs and learning requirements of clinicians, patients, and carers, with the goal of improving effective and supportive carer involvement in cancer consultations and cancer care.

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Individual Coping and Alcohol Intervention Program for Children of Parents With Alcohol Use Problems: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Children whose parents have alcohol use problems are at an increased risk of several negative consequences, such as poor school performance, an earlier onset of substance use, and poor mental health. Many would benefit from support programs, but the figures reveal that only a small proportion is reached by existing support. Digital interventions can provide readily accessible support and potentially reach a large number of children. Research on digital interventions aimed at this target group is scarce. We have developed a novel digital therapist-assisted self-management intervention targeting adolescents whose parents had alcohol use problems. This program aims to strengthen coping behaviors, improve mental health, and decrease alcohol consumption in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a novel web-based therapist-assisted self-management intervention for adolescents whose parents have alcohol use problems.

METHODS

Participants were recruited on the internet from social media and websites containing health-related information about adolescents. Possible participants were screened using the short version of the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test-6. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=101) or the waitlist control group (n=103), and they were unblinded to the condition. The assessments, all self-assessed, consisted of a baseline and 2 follow-ups after 2 and 6 months. The primary outcome was the Coping With Parents Abuse Questionnaire (CPAQ), and secondary outcomes were the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), and Ladder of Life (LoL).

RESULTS

For the primary outcome, CPAQ, a small but inconclusive treatment effect was observed (Cohen d=-0.05 at both follow-up time points). The intervention group scored 38% and 46% lower than the control group on the continuous part of the AUDIT-C at the 2- and 6-month follow-up, respectively. All other between-group comparisons were inconclusive at either follow-up time point. Adherence was low, as only 24% (24/101) of the participants in the intervention group completed the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings were inconclusive for the primary outcome but demonstrate that a digital therapist-assisted self-management intervention may contribute to a reduction in alcohol consumption. These results highlight the potential for digital interventions to reach a vulnerable, hard-to-reach group of adolescents but underscore the need to develop more engaging support interventions to increase adherence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN41545712; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN41545712?q=ISRCTN41545712.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/1471-2458-12-35.

A Web-Based Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as an empirically based third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy, has shown promise in enhancing well-being and functioning across diverse populations. However, in the context of caregiving, the effect size of available ACT interventions remains at best moderate, sometimes accompanied by high dropout rates, highlighting the need for more effective and feasible intervention designs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a fully online ACT program designed for family caregivers of people with dementia. This study aimed to boost psychological flexibility and support caregivers, enabling them to realize and prioritize their own life values alongside their caregiving responsibilities.

METHODS

A mixed methods feasibility study using an uncontrolled pretest-posttest design was conducted. This intervention included a 9-week web-based self-help program based on ACT incorporating collaborative goal setting and weekly web-based motivational coaching for family caregivers of people with dementia. This study involved 30 informal caregivers recruited through memory clinics and social media platforms in the Netherlands and received approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of the Maastricht University Medical Center+ (NL77389.068.21/metc21-029).

RESULTS

A total of 24 caregivers completed the postintervention assessment, indicating a high adherence rate (24/29, 83%). Caregivers reported positive feedback regarding collaborative goal setting, but some found challenges in implementing new skills due to their own habitual responses or the unpredictable context of dementia caregiving. Personalizing the intervention based on individual value preferences was highlighted as beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to other web-based self-help ACT interventions for family caregivers, this intervention showed a high adherence and sufficient level of feasibility, which underscores the use of personalization in delivering web-based interventions. Moreover, the potential of this ACT-based intervention for family caregivers of people with dementia was demonstrated, suggesting that further research and a larger-scale controlled trial are warranted to validate its effectiveness.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070499.

Improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive and emotional awareness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal emotion management following completion of an online emotional skills training program

Socioemotional skills, such as the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate the emotions of self and others, are associated with both physical and emotional health. The present study tested the effectiveness of a recently validated online training program for increasing these emotional skills in adults. In this study, 448 participants (323 female) were randomly assigned to complete this training program or a placebo control program. Among those who completed the training program or placebo (N = 326), the training program led to improved scores post-training on measures of interoceptive and emotional awareness, mindfulness, emotion recognition, and emotion regulation strategies (e.g., reduced emotion suppression and greater impulse control) relative to placebo. In a smaller group of participants who also completed a 6-month follow-up visit (N = 94), sustained improvements were observed on several measures in those who completed the training program, while the placebo group instead showed decreased performance. This suggested a potentially protective effect against emotional challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic occurring during this time. These results suggest that this online training program shows promise in improving emotional skills relevant to adaptive social and emotional functioning, and that it might be useful as an intervention within at-risk populations and those with emotional disorders associated with reduced application of these skills. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of 12-Weeks of Home-Based Exercise Training on Physical and Cognitive Function of Older Adults: Randomized Trial Comparing Virtual Versus Minimal Supervision in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil

Background

We investigated the effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program delivered with virtual or minimal supervision on the physical and cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Methods

The study was registered on the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials platform (code: RBR-8qby2wt). Thirty-eight older adults (81% female and 68±7 years old), non-disabled, and without cognitive impairment or dementia, were randomly assigned to a 12-week home-based exercise program: 1) virtual supervision (classes remotely delivered through video conference by trained staff), or 2) minimal supervision (once-weekly contact to touch base through standardized text messages). The participants initially performed two sets of 10 repetitions three times a week, with a 60-second interval. The volume and complexity of the exercises were progressively increased. (e.g., the number of sets increased to 3 and later to 4). At baseline and follow-up, we collected remote measurements of physical function (muscle strength and power, functional muscular fitness) and cognition (processing speed, inhibitory control, verbal fluency).

Results

Participants in the minimal supervision home-based exercise group significantly improved the Stroop test (-1.6 sec, 95% CI = -3.20; -0.09). No significant between-group differences were observed for physical and cognitive outcomes.

Conclusion

A home-based exercise program delivered with virtual or minimal supervision can produce similar effects, and may help to maintain physical and cognitive capabilities among healthy, high-functioning older adults who experienced mobility restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Validation of the Italian Version of the Web Screening Questionnaire for Common Mental Disorders

BACKGROUND

The ever-increasing spread of Internet-based systems for common mental disorders has generated the need for brief online screening methods. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of the Web Screening Questionnaire (WSQ) to examine its suitability for screening for common mental health problems among a community sample of Italian adults.

METHODS

A total of 1282 subjects (F = 819; mean age = 42.05) answered the WSQ. Its discriminant characteristics were examined with other validated selected scales for measuring mental health widely used in the Italian population using sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC), as well as positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV).

RESULTS

Most of the WSQ subscales exhibited moderate to high specificity values. Specifically, the scales of 'agoraphobia' (0.947; 95%CI [0.934, 0.960]), 'anxiety' (0.959; 95%CI [0.946, 0.970]), and 'panic disorder' (0.973; 95%CI [0.964, 0.981]) showed the highest values whilst the 'obsessive-compulsive' dimension had the lowest value at 0.838, 95%CI [0.815, 0.861]. With exceptions observed for 'depression' (0.716; 95%CI [642, 798]) and 'alcohol abuse' (0.760; 95%CI [560, 920]), instead, the WSQ demonstrated critical sensitivity values (<0.6) in all dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

The WSQ was appropriate for discriminating between people with and without a psychiatric condition, as it helps to confirm the absence of disorders. However, further diagnostic procedures are required, in case of a positive WSQ screening result.

A Web-Based Peer-Patient Navigation Program (Compassionate Online Navigation to Enhance Care Transitions) for Youth Living With Childhood-Acquired Disabilities Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care: Qualitative Descriptive Study

BACKGROUND

Studies have highlighted significant challenges associated with the transition from pediatric to adult health and social care services for youth living with childhood-acquired disabilities and their caregivers. Patient navigation has been proposed as an effective transitional care intervention. Better understanding of how patient navigation may support youth and their families during pediatric to adult care transitions is warranted.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the preferred adaptations of an existing web-based platform from the perspectives of youth with childhood-onset disabilities and their family caregivers to develop a web-based peer-patient navigation program, Compassionate Online Navigation to Enhance Care Transitions (CONNECT).

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Participants included youth living with childhood-acquired disabilities (16/23, 70%) and their caregivers (7/23, 30%). Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted, digitally recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and was facilitated through NVivo software (Lumivero).

RESULTS

Participants desired a program that incorporated (1) self-directed learning, (2) a library of reliable health and community resources, and (3) emotional and social supports. On the basis of participants' feedback, CONNECT was deemed satisfactory, as it was believed that the program would help support appropriate transition care through the provision of trusted health-related information. Participants highlighted the need for options to optimize confidentiality in their health and social care and the choice to remain anonymous to other participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Web-based patient navigation programs such as CONNECT may deliver peer support that can improve the quality and experience of care for youth, and their caregivers, transitioning from pediatric to adult care through personalized support, health care monitoring, and health and social care resources. Future studies are needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, usability, use, and effectiveness of CONNECT among youth with childhood-onset disabilities.

Acceptance of a Web-Based Intervention in Individuals Who Committed Sexual Offenses Against Children: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Individuals who have committed sexual offenses against children often have difficulties finding treatment, despite its potential effectiveness. Although the development of web-based interventions could enhance therapeutic supply, up to now the acceptance thereof among this target group is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

For the first time, this study assesses the acceptance of a web-based intervention among individuals who committed sexual offenses against children and analyzes variables that predict acceptance. Following the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), it is assumed that acceptance of web-based interventions in individuals who have committed sexual offenses against children follows the same mechanisms as for individuals in general psychiatry.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study is based on the data from an ongoing clinical trial (@myTabu) evaluating the effectiveness of a web-based intervention in individuals who committed sexual offenses against children (N=113). Acceptance level was measured using a questionnaire based on the UTAUT and modified for the target group. Furthermore, predictors of acceptance from the UTAUT (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence [SI]), attitudes toward web-based interventions, and internet anxiety were assessed at baseline.

RESULTS

Most participants (61.1%, 69/113), reported high acceptance, while 36.3% (41/113) of them indicated moderate acceptance, and 2.7% (3/113) of them expressed low acceptance. In a linear regression model, the predictors explained 41.2% of the variance (F11,101=9.055; P=.01). Attitudes toward web-based interventions (B=0.398, 95% CI 0.16-0.64; P=.001) and SI (B=0.183, 95% CI 0.03-0.38; P=.04) significantly predicted acceptance. Post hoc explorative analysis showed that the participants' belief that people close to them would recommend the use of a web-based intervention is a predictor of acceptance. In contrast, the belief that their community supervisor would recommend the use thereof was not predictive in this respect.

CONCLUSIONS

For the participants of this study, we identified high acceptance of web-based interventions for the majority of participants. SI and the participants' attitudes toward web-based interventions were important in predicting acceptance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trial Registration (DRKS, Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) DRKS 00021256; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00021256.

Effectiveness of Metaverse Space-Based Exercise Video Distribution in Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In response to the serious lack of physical activity among young adults, recent attempts have been made to encourage young people to exercise through exercise video distribution. However, merely distributing videos does not lead to improved physical activity levels. Metaverse space, which enables web-based interaction through avatars, allows users to watch exercise videos in the same space as other avatars.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored whether exercise video distribution using metaverse space is effective in improving physical activity levels, along with mental health and locomotive function, among young people.

METHODS

In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial participants were recruited using printed poster displays. A total of 48 young adults aged between 18 and 30 years were assigned to 3 groups of 16 each: the metaverse, YouTube, and control group. To encourage exercise, the metaverse group was given an exercise video each week with a load of around 4-8 metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs) for 8 videos delivered in the metaverse space. The YouTube group was sent a URL on YouTube every week to view exercise videos with the same content as the metaverse group. The control group was given no special instructions. The intervention period was 8 weeks. Pre- and postintervention physical activity, well-being, locomotive syndrome risk tests, and social capital were measured. Although this study was not blinded to the participants, the measurers did not know to which group the participants belonged. Mixed model repeated-measures analyses and a post hoc Wilcoxon signed rank sum test were performed to detect the effects of the intervention in all groups.

RESULTS

The results of the mixed model repeated-measures analyses showed a significant interaction between groups and before and after the intervention for total physical activity (metaverse group: pre 737.1, SD 609.5 METs/week, post 1575.4, SD 1071.8 METs/week; YouTube group: pre 661.7, SD 710.7 METs/week, post 911.9, SD 1103.3 METs/week; and control group: pre 930.6, SD 665.1 METs/week, post 844.7, SD 701.8 METs/week; P=.04) but none for the indicators of well-being (P=.40), locomotive function scale (P=.17), and social capital (P=.23). A post hoc test showed a significant increase in physical activity in the metaverse group before and after the intervention (P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to show that delivering exercise videos through metaverse space can increase physical activity in young adults by providing a gathering space for individuals similarly motivated for exercise practice. This way, the sense of isolation during exercise is reduced compared with merely distributing videos on YouTube. The use of metaverse space in health promotion is likely to spread, and this study provides a useful reference for its exploration.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06019156; https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT06019156.

Ageing in the right place-usability of a web-based housing counselling service

INTRODUCTION

Residential reasoning is a complex process that includes decisions on whether to age in place or to relocate. Ageing in the Right Place (ARP), a web-based housing counselling service was created to support older adults in this process. The study's aim was to evaluate the usability of the ARP as regards content, design, specific functions, and self-administration as a mode of delivery and to lay the ground for further optimisation.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Nine women and five men (aged 66-82) completed a series of tasks using the ARP. Qualitative and quantitative usability data were collected through online interviews. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Experiences of the specific functions, content, and design of the ARP were described as mainly positive. Additions to the content and optimisation to assist in the general navigation of the website were suggested. The participants disagreed regarding the preferred mode of delivery, which indicates a need for selectable options. A system usability scale median score of 84 indicated acceptable usability.

CONCLUSION

The ARP seems to have acceptable usability, which paves the way for further evaluation.

SIGNIFICANCE

By enabling residential reasoning, older adults are supported to make proactive choices based on informed decisions.

An Exploration of Nurses' Experience Following a Face-to-Face or Web-Based Intervention on Patient Deterioration

A web-based clinical simulation program, known as FIRST2ACT (Feedback Incorporating Review and Simulation Techniques to Act on Clinical Trends), was designed to increase the efficacy of clinicians' actions in the recognition and immediate response to a patient's deterioration. This study, which was nested in a larger mixed method project, used ten focus groups (n = 65) of graduate, enrolled, registered nurses, associate nurse unit managers, and general managers/educators/coordinators from four different institutions to investigate whether nurses felt their practice was influenced by participating in either a face-to-face or web-based simulation educational programme about patient deterioration. The results indicate that individuals who were less "tech-savvy" appreciated the flexibility of web-based learning, which increased their confidence. Face-to-face students appreciated self-reflection through performance evaluation. While face-to-face simulations were unable to completely duplicate symptoms, they showed nurses' adaptability. Both interventions enhanced clinical practice by improving documentation and replies while also boosting confidence and competence. Web learners initially experienced tech-related anxiety, which gradually subsided, demonstrating healthcare professionals' resilience to new learning approaches. Overall, the study highlighted the advantages and challenges of web-based and face-to-face education in clinical practice, emphasising the importance of adaptability and reflective learning for healthcare professionals. Further exploration of specific topics is required to improve practice, encourage knowledge sharing among colleagues, and improve early detection of patient deterioration.

The Effectiveness of Publicly Available Web-Based Interventions in Promoting Health App Use, Digital Health Literacy, and Media Literacy: Pre-Post Evaluation Study

BACKGROUND

According to the World Health Organization, implementing mobile health (mHealth) technologies can increase access to quality health services worldwide. mHealth apps for smartphones, also known as health apps, are a central component of mHealth, and they are already used in diverse medical contexts. To benefit from health apps, potential users need specific skills that enable them to use such apps in a responsible and constructive manner.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the free and widely used web-based intervention, The APPocalypse?. Besides providing knowledge about health apps, the web-based intervention was designed to promote digital health and media literacy by teaching skills that enable users to distinguish between trustworthy and less trustworthy health apps. It was hypothesized that after completing the web-based intervention, participants' knowledge in the domain of health apps, their digital health literacy, and their media literacy would be higher than it was before completing the web-based intervention.

METHODS

The study was divided into 3 parts. During part 1, participants (n=365; 181 female, 181 male, and 3 diverse; mean age 17.74, SD 1.391 years) provided demographic information and answered the pre- and postmeasurements. The measurements included questionnaires about participants' knowledge in the domain of health apps, digital health literacy, and media literacy. During part 2, participants had 1 week to complete the web-based intervention. During part 3, participants answered the pre- and postmeasurements again. Furthermore, they answered educational quality and user experience questionnaires. Bayesian paired samples 2-tailed t tests were conducted to test the hypotheses.

RESULTS

Overall, the results support the hypotheses. After completing the web-based intervention, participants demonstrated more elaborate knowledge in the domain of health apps. Specifically, they displayed higher competencies in the domains of subjective (Bayes factor10 [BF10]=1.475×1079; effect size δ=-1.327) and objective health app knowledge (BF10=8.162×1080; effect size δ=-1.350). Furthermore, participants demonstrated higher digital health literacy. Specifically, they displayed higher competencies in the domains of information appraisal (BF10=3.413×1043; effect size δ=-0.870), information searching (BF10=3.324×1023; effect size δ=-0.604), evaluating reliability (BF10=3.081×1035; effect size δ=-0.766), and determining relevance (BF10=3.451×1024; effect size δ=-0.618). Regarding media literacy, the results were mixed. Participants displayed higher competencies in the domain of technology literacy beliefs (BF10=1.533×1021; effect size δ=-0.570). In the domain of technology control beliefs, their competencies did not seem to improve (BF10=0.109; effect size δ=-0.058). In comparison to relevant benchmarks, the web-based intervention offers exceptional educational quality and a superior user experience.

CONCLUSIONS

The free web-based intervention The APPocalypse? might promote the constructive use of health apps, digital health literacy, and media literacy. Therefore, it may contribute to achieving the health-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Developing and evaluating the usability of a web-based Diabetic Retinopathy Health Education Program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

To describe the development of a webpage based on the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol and usability testing of the Diabetic Retinopathy Health Education Profram (DRHEP).

METHODS

The mixed methods pilot feasibility study was carried out between April and September 2021, involving 16 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 5 experts. The usability score was rated according to the System Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS

The average SUS score by the experts was 88. The patients gave a higher score of 85 for SUS, with 58 as the lowest. The average SUS score was 72. The findings indicate that the webpage is acceptable, good, and highly usable for users.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of this study signify the relationship between effective health applications and how their design might hamper their effectiveness in changing patients' behavior.

Postpartum women's experiences in a randomized controlled trial of a web-based lifestyle intervention following Gestational Diabetes: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased maternal risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We previously demonstrated in a randomized trial that a web-based postpartum lifestyle intervention program, Balance After Baby, increased weight loss among postpartum women with recent pregnancies complicated by GDM. The aim of this analysis is to identify the impact of the intervention on study participants as assessed by exit interviews after completion of the 12 month study.

METHODS

We conducted structured exit interviews created with a concurrent-contextual design with subjects randomized to the intervention group at the conclusion of their participation (∼12 months) in the Balance After Baby study, with the objectives of 1) understanding the impact of the intervention on participants and their family members, 2) identifying which program components were most and least helpful, and 3) identifying the perceived best timing for diabetes prevention interventions in postpartum women with recent GDM.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine percent (26/33) of eligible intervention participants participated in interviews. Participants noted changes in diet and physical activity as a result of the intervention. Several components of the intervention, particularly the online modules and support from the lifestyle coach, were perceived by intervention participants to have had a positive effect on personal and familial lifestyle change, while other components were less utilized, including the community forum, YMCA memberships, and pedometers. Nearly all participants felt that the timing in the intervention study, beginning about 6 weeks postpartum, was ideal.

DISCUSSION

Results of this study identify the importance of individualized coaching, impact on family members, and demonstrate that postpartum women feel ready to make changes by 6 weeks postpartum. Findings from this study will help inform the development of future technologically-based lifestyle interventions for postpartum women with recent GDM.

Personalized normative feedback for hazardous drinking among college women: Differential outcomes by history of incapacitated rape

OBJECTIVE

Personalized normative feedback (PNF) interventions are effective at reducing hazardous drinking in college. However, little is known about who is most receptive to PNF. College women with a history of alcohol-related incapacitated rape (IR) are at elevated risk for hazardous drinking, but it is unclear what impact intervention messaging may have on this group and how their outcomes compare to those without past IR. To address this gap, this study involved secondary data analysis of a large web-based clinical trial.

METHOD

Heavy drinking college women (N = 1,188) were randomized into PNF (n = 895) or control conditions (n = 293). Postintervention, women reported their reactions to intervention messaging. Hazardous drinking outcomes (typical drinking, heavy episodic drinking [HED], peak estimated blood alcohol content [eBAC], blackout frequency) were assessed at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS

Past IR was reported by 16.3% (n = 194) of women. Women with a history of IR reported more baseline hazardous drinking and greater readiness to change than women without IR. For those who received PNF, history of IR related to greater perceived impact of the intervention, but no difference in satisfaction with the message. After controlling for baseline drinking, regressions revealed the effect of PNF was moderated by IR for frequency of HED at 12 months. Simple main effects revealed PNF was associated with lower levels of hazardous drinking at follow-up among women with past IR.

CONCLUSIONS

This initial investigation suggests PNF is a low resource and easily disseminated intervention that can have a positive impact on college women with past IR. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Preference Elicitation and Treatment Decision-Making Among Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial Results of Healium

BACKGROUND

Elicitation of patients' preferences is an integral part of shared decision-making, the recommended approach for prostate cancer decision-making. Existing decision aids for this population often do not specifically focus on patients' preferences. Healium is a brief interactive web-based decision aid that aims to elicit patients' treatment preferences and is designed for a low health literate population.

OBJECTIVE

This study used a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether Healium, designed to target preference elicitation, is as efficacious as Healing Choices, a comprehensive education and decision tool, in improving outcomes for decision-making and emotional quality of life.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who had not yet made a treatment decision were randomly assigned to the brief Healium intervention or Healing Choices, a decision aid previously developed by our group that serves as a virtual information center on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Assessments were completed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months post baseline, and included decisional outcomes (decisional conflict, satisfaction with decision, and preparation for decision-making), and emotional quality of life (anxiety/tension and depression), along with demographics, comorbidities, and health literacy.

RESULTS

A total of 327 individuals consented to participate in the study (171 were randomized to the Healium intervention arm and 156 were randomized to Healing Choices). The majority of the sample was non-Hispanic (272/282, 96%), White (239/314, 76%), married (251/320, 78.4%), and was on average 62.4 (SD 6.9) years old. Within both arms, there was a significant decrease in decisional conflict from baseline to 6 weeks postbaseline (Healium, P≤.001; Healing Choices, P≤.001), and a significant increase in satisfaction with one's decision from 6 weeks to 3 months (Healium, P=.04; Healing Choices, P=.01). Within both arms, anxiety/tension (Healium, P=.23; Healing Choices, P=.27) and depression (Healium, P=.001; Healing Choices, P≤.001) decreased from baseline to 6 weeks, but only in the case of depression was the decrease statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Healium, our brief decision aid focusing on treatment preference elicitation, is as successful in reducing decisional conflict as our previously tested comprehensive decision aid, Healing Choices, and has the added benefit of brevity, making it the ideal tool for integration into the physician consultation and electronic medical record.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05800483; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05800483.

Healthy lifestyle promotion via digital self-help for mental health patients in primary care: a pilot study including an embedded randomized recruitment trial

AIM

This study piloted a digital self-help intervention facilitating healthy lifestyle for patients with mental health problems in primary care.

BACKGROUND

Patients with mental health problems show more unhealthy lifestyle behaviors than the general population and prior research indicates that healthy lifestyle behaviors can improve mental health.

METHODS

This pilot study assessed use of a self-help digital intervention for healthy lifestyle promotion and included an embedded randomized recruitment trial, where all patients were randomized to digital self-help plus treatment as usual (TAU) or to TAU only. Patients seeking help for mental health problems were recruited from two primary care clinics in Stockholm, Sweden, and offered participation in a healthy lifestyle promotion study via digital self-help. Outcome measures included use-related assessment of inclusion and follow-up rates at both clinics, participant characteristics, and intervention adherence. Secondary outcomes included depression (the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (the GAD-7) up to 10 weeks, and changes in alcohol and tobacco use, physical activity, and diet.

RESULTS

The study included 152 patients. The recruitment rate, initially low, increased after involving the clinicians more and maintaining more frequent contact with the patients. The 10-week missing data rate was 33/152 (22%). Participants were 70% (106/152) women, with a mean age of 42 years (SD = 14); fewer than half (38%, n = 58/152) had one or more high-risk unhealthy behaviors at inclusion. Psychiatric symptoms were moderate at baseline and declined in both groups after 10 weeks (d = 0.57-0.75). No between-group effects over time occurred on depression (b = 0.3 [95% CI -1.6, 2.2]; d = 0.06), anxiety (b = -0.7 [-2.5, 1.2]; d = 0.13), or lifestyle behaviors (b = 0.01 [-0.3, 0,3]; d = -0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Recruitment routines seemed to be decisive for reaching as many patients as possible. The relatively low rate of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and small effect sizes suggests that the intervention may only suit patients at risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03691116 (01/10/2018), focusing on the embedded trial. Retrospectively registered for the first clinic and prospectively for the second clinic.

Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of a Telehealth HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care Intervention Among Young Cisgender Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Despite its promise for HIV prevention, the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been slow, and there have been substantial inequities in PrEP access. Young men who have sex with men and transgender women of color are most in need of PrEP and least likely to have that need fulfilled. PrEP telehealth care, which provides remote PrEP care via electronic communication, seems well suited to address several of the challenges of PrEP provision, including discomfort with stigmatizing and difficult-to-access health care systems, transportation challenges, and privacy concerns, and address disparities in PrEP access. Research suggests that PrEP telehealth care has promise and is a favored option for many prospective recipients of PrEP. However, despite growing attention to telehealth approaches as an avenue for increasing access to PrEP amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been no published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PrEP telehealth care to date, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions about the advantages or disadvantages of telehealth compared with usual PrEP care. We developed PrEPTECH, a telehealth intervention that focuses specifically on alleviating issues of stigma, access, cost, and confidentiality for young people with risk factors for HIV infection who are seeking PrEP care. Leveraging data from the 2017 observational pilot study, we redesigned and enhanced PrEPTECH.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of a telehealth HIV PrEP care intervention, PrEPTECH, in increasing PrEP uptake.

METHODS

This is the protocol for an RCT of young cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men in 4 regions within the United States: the San Francisco Bay Area, California; Los Angeles County, California; Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Broward County, Florida. Participants in the intervention arm received access to a web-based telehealth program, PrEPTECH, which offers a fully web-based pathway to PrEP, whereas those in the control arm received access to a dynamic web page containing publicly available informational resources about PrEP. Follow-up data collection occurred at 3 and 6 months. An analysis will be conducted on outcomes, including PrEP initiation, persistence, adherence, coverage, and medication prescription, as well as PrEPTECH acceptability and feasibility.

RESULTS

The study was funded in 2019 and received institutional review board approval in 2020. The PrEPTECH intervention was developed over the next 1.5 years. Study recruitment was launched in February 2022 and completed in September 2022, with 229 participants recruited in total. Data collection was completed in April 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this RCT will offer valuable evidence regarding the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of telehealth HIV PrEP care interventions among young cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04902820; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04902820.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/47932.

Key Factors in Helpfulness and Use of the SAFE Intervention for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse: Qualitative Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial and Process Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Many women experience at least one type of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA), and although various support options are available, we still know relatively little about web-based interventions for IPVA survivors. We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the SAFE eHealth intervention for women experiencing IPVA in the Netherlands, complementing the quantitative evaluation of self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and multiple feasibility aspects.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed users' experiences and what, according to them, were useful and helpful aspects of the intervention.

METHODS

The intervention consisted of modules with information on relationships and IPVA, help options, physical and mental health, and social support. It also contained interactive elements such as exercises, stories from survivors, a chat, and a forum. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with an intervention arm receiving the complete version of the intervention and a control arm receiving only a static version with the modules on relationships and IPVA and help options. We gathered data through open questions from surveys (for both study arms; n=65) and semistructured interviews (for the intervention study arm; n=10), all conducted on the web, during the randomized controlled trial and process evaluation. Interview data were coded following the principles of open thematic coding, and all qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, most users positively rated the intervention regarding safety, content, and suiting their needs, especially participants from the intervention study arm. The intervention was helpful in the domains of acknowledgment, awareness, and support. However, participants also identified points for improvement: the availability of a simplified version for acute situations; more attention for survivors in the aftermath of ending an abusive relationship; and more information on certain topics, such as technological IPVA, support for children, and legal affairs. Furthermore, although participants expressed a prominent need for interactive contact options such as a chat or forum, the intervention study arm (the only group that had these features at their disposal) mainly used them in a passive way-reading instead of actively joining the conversation. The participants provided various reasons for this passive use.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive outcomes of this study are similar to those of other web-based interventions for IPVA survivors, and specific points for improvement were identified. The availability of interactive elements seems to be of added value even when they are used passively. This study provides in-depth insight into the experiences of female IPVA survivors with the SAFE eHealth intervention and makes suggestions for improvements to SAFE and comparable web-based interventions for IPVA as well as inspiring future research. Furthermore, this study shows the importance of a varied assessment of an intervention's effectiveness to understand the real-world impact on its users.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NTR7313; https://tinyurl.com/3t7vwswz.

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Intervention for Preventing Substance Use in Young Adults in Taiwan: Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Substance use has been one of the most alarming public health problems worldwide, particularly among younger generations.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a web-based substance use prevention intervention targeted at adults aged 20-29 years.

METHODS

The intervention materials comprised 5 sets of infographics and 1 animation, all of which focused on mixed themes: (1) the concept of substance use and its harmful effects on health; (2) misinformation regarding new psychoactive substances; (3) regulation of illicit drugs, particularly marijuana; (4) the brain disease model of addiction; (5) critical thinking skills that improve health literacy; and (6) decision-making and communication skills that help people refuse illegal drugs. The study assigned eligible participants into experimental and control groups on the basis of the parity of their participant numbers. These participants completed web-based baseline and follow-up questionnaires that assessed their knowledge, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, and life skills related to substance use prevention. Knowledge was assessed using 8 questions concerning understanding of substance use harms and the regulation of illicit drugs. Behavioral intention and self-efficacy were assessed using 5-point Likert-type scales. Participants' ability to apply life skills to avoid substance use was assessed using 3 testing scenarios regarding substance use. The study used generalized estimating equations to examine the intervention's effectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 1065 participants (539 control and 526 experimental) completed the intervention and questionnaires in 2019. The average ages of the experimental and control groups were 25.68 (SD 2.71) and 25.66 (SD 2.69) years, respectively. The study observed no significant differences in the demographic variables between the 2 groups. The results of the generalized estimating equation analyses indicated that the intervention significantly improved participants' knowledge (P<.001), behavioral intention (P<.001), and self-efficacy (P<.001) but not their life skills (P=.61) related to substance use prevention. Participants in the experimental group responded to a satisfaction survey with positive feedback on the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The web-based intervention was effective in improving participants' knowledge, behavioral intention, and self-efficacy concerning substance use prevention. The findings support continued efforts to use web-based interventions to prevent substance use among young adults.

A Web-Based Sexual Health Intervention to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hong Kong: Model-Based Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults, and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are the most common STIs in young women. One of the most effective ways to prevent STIs is the consistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse. There has been no economic evaluation of the interactive web-based sexual health program, Smart Girlfriend, within the Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of Smart Girlfriend in preventing STIs in the Chinese population. The evaluation compared the program with a control intervention that used a 1-page information sheet on condom use.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model that included a decision tree followed by a Markov structure of CT infections was developed since CT is the most prevalent STI among young women. The model represents the long-term experience of individuals who received either the intervention or the control. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. The main outcomes were the number of CT infections and the incremental cost as per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

RESULTS

A cohort of 10,000 sexually active nonpregnant young women initially entered the model in a noninfectious state (ie, "well"). In the base-case analysis, the implementation of the Smart Girlfriend program resulted in the prevention of 0.45% of CT infections, 0.3% of pelvic inflammatory disease, and 0.04% of chronic pelvic pain, leading to a gain of 70 discounted QALYs and cost savings over a 4-year time horizon, compared to the control group. With more than 4548 users, the intervention would be cost-effective, and with more than 8315 users, the intervention would be cost saving. A 99% probability of being cost-effective was detected with a willingness to pay US $17,409 per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Smart Girlfriend is a cost-effective and possibly cost-saving program over a 4-year time horizon. This result was particularly sensitive to the number of website users; launching the website would be cost-effective if more than 4548 people used it. Further work is warranted to explore if the findings could be expanded to apply to women who have sex with women and in the context of other STIs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT03695679; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03695679.

Evaluating use of web-based interventions: an example of a Dutch sexual health intervention

With the current increase in web-based interventions, the question of how to measure, and consequently improve engagement in such interventions is gaining more importance. Modern day web analytics tools make it easy to monitor use of web-based interventions. However, in this article, we propose that it would be more meaningful to first examine how the developers envisioned the use of the intervention to establish behavior change (i.e. intended use), before looking into how the intervention is ultimately used with web analytics (i.e. actual use). Such an approach responds to the regularly expressed concern that behavioral interventions are often poorly described, leading to less meaningful evaluations as it is not clear what exactly is being evaluated. Using a page on chlamydia prevention (104 557 pageviews in 2020) from a Dutch sexual health intervention (Sense), we demonstrate the value of acyclic behavior change diagrams (ABCDs) as a method to visualize intended use of an intervention. ABCDs show at a glance how behavior change principles are applied in an intervention and target determinants of behavior. Based on this ABCD, we investigate actual use of the intervention, using web analytics tool Matomo. Despite being intended to stimulate STI-testing, only 14% of the 35 347 transfers from this page led to the STI-testing page and a high bounce rate (79%) and relatively high exit rate were reported (69%). Recommendations to further interpret the data are given. This real-life example demonstrates the potential of combining ABCDs and Matomo as methods to gain insight into use of web-based interventions.

Awareness of a disconnect between the value assigned to health and the effort devoted to health increases the intention to become more physically active

Background

Intrinsic values and priorities influence decision-making and are, therefore, important to consider explicitly in intervention development. Although health is generally considered an important value, individuals often make unhealthy choices, indicating a values disconnect.

Study aim

To investigate how becoming aware of a disconnect between the value assigned to health and the effort devoted to health is related to intentions and commitment for behavioural change and physical activity among inactive adults.

Methods

We performed a secondary exploratory analysis on previously collected data. The intervention included a values exercise based on the Disconnected Values Model (DVM) that made disconnected values explicit to participants in two study arms. We compared participants with a disconnect (n = 138) with participants without a disconnect (n = 101) regarding intentions and commitment for behavioural change and physical activity and sitting time 2-4 weeks follow-up. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to analyse the data.

Results

Between-group differences were found for the intention to devote more effort to health (OR = 3.75; 95%CI: 2.05; 6.86) and for the intention to become more physically active (OR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.10; 4.46), indicating that significantly more participants with a disconnect were motivated to change, compared to participants without a disconnect. No between-group differences were found for commitment, intention strength, follow-up physical activity and sitting time.

Conclusion

Making explicit a disconnect regarding health in an active choice intervention was associated with intentions to become more physically active. Still, it did not translate in significant behaviour change at 2-4 weeks follow-up.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04973813. Retrospectively registered.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04973813..

Peer- and web-based interventions for risky drinking among US National Guard members: Mission Strong randomized controlled trial

AIMS

To test separatel the efficacy of a web-based and a peer-based brief intervention (BI), compared with an expanded usual care control (EUC) group, among military reserve component members using alcohoI in a hazardous and harmful manner.

DESIGN

In the randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to: [1] web-based BI with web-based boosters (BI + web), [2] web-based BI with peer-based boosters (BI + peer) or [3] enhanced usual care (EUC).

SETTING

Michigan, USA.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 739 Michigan Army National Guard members who reported recent hazardous alcohol use; 84% were male, the mean age was 28 years.

INTERVENTION

The BI consisted of an interactive program guided by a personally selected avatar. Boosters were delivered either on the web or personally by a trained veteran peer. A pamphlet, given to all participants, included information on hazardous alcohol use and military-specific community resources and served as the EUC condition.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome measure was binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days, measured at 12 months after the BI.

FINDINGS

All randomized participants were included in the outcome analyses. In adjusted analyses, BI + peer [beta = -0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.56 to -0.31, P < 0.001] and BI + web (beta = -0.34, 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.23, P < 0.001) reduced binge drinking compared with EUC.

CONCLUSION

This satudy was a web-based brief intervention for hazardous alcohol use, with either web- or peer-based boosters, reduced binge alcohol use among Army National Guard members.

Imagine All the People: A Guided Internet-Based Imagery Training to Increase Assertiveness among University Students-Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

The importance of communication skills for well-being and self-realization is widely accepted. Despite that, research on assertiveness and assertiveness training has declined significantly in recent decades. Consequently, traditional training does not consider the most recent novel technologies used to spread psychological interventions. This study proposes the development of ComunicaBene: a guided Internet-based imagery intervention to promote assertiveness. Moreover, it describes the study protocol for a randomized control trial to investigate the intervention's efficacy and acceptability. Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental (ComunicaBene) or waitlist control condition. ComunicaBene consists of different online training modules corresponding to three phases: psychoeducation, imaginative exposure, and in vivo-exposure. Each module provides participants with theoretical and practical content about needs, emotions, communication style, and assertiveness. Moreover, during the program, every student is supervised by a Tutor. Participants in the control condition will be included in a waiting list. Primary and secondary outcomes will include changes in assertiveness, well-being, emotional awareness, worry, and rumination. Outcomes will be assessed at pre- and post-intervention, and via a 6-month follow-up. We expect that the results will support the efficacy of ComunicaBene as an innovative, scalable, affordable, and acceptable intervention to spread assertive training through the Internet and among a broad population.

Effects of a Web-Based Lifestyle Intervention on Weight Loss and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults With Overweight and Obesity: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The high proportion of people with overweight and obesity has become a worldwide problem in recent decades, mainly due to health consequences, such as cardiovascular diseases, neoplasia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Regarding effective countermeasures, the digitization of health services offers numerous potentials, which, however, have not yet been sufficiently evaluated. Web-based health programs are becoming increasingly interactive and can provide individuals with effective long-term weight management support.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive web-based weight loss program on anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and behavioral variables and to compare it with a noninteractive web-based weight loss program.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trial included people who were aged between 18 and 65 years (mean 48.92, SD 11.17 years) and had a BMI of 27.5 to 34.9 kg/m² (mean 30.71, SD 2.13 kg/m²). Participants (n=153) were assigned to either (1) an interactive and fully automated web-based health program (intervention) or (2) a noninteractive web-based health program (control). The intervention program focused on dietary energy density and allowed for dietary documentation with appropriate feedback on energy density and nutrients. The control group only received information on weight loss and energy density, but the website did not contain interactive content. Examinations were performed at baseline (t0), at the end of the 12-week intervention (t1), and at 6 months (t2) and 12 months (t3) thereafter. The primary outcome was body weight. The secondary outcomes were cardiometabolic variables as well as dietary and physical activity behaviors. Robust linear mixed models were used to evaluate the primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed significant improvements in anthropometric variables, such as body weight (P=.004), waist circumference (P=.002), and fat mass (P=.02), compared with the control group over the course of the study. The mean weight loss after the 12-month follow-up was 4.18 kg (4.7%) in the intervention group versus 1.29 kg (1.5%) in the control group compared with the initial weight. The results of the nutritional analysis showed that the energy density concept was significantly better implemented in the intervention group. Significant differences in cardiometabolic variables were not detected between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The interactive web-based health program was effective in reducing body weight and improving body composition in adults with overweight and obesity. However, these improvements were not associated with relevant changes in cardiometabolic variables, although it should be noted that the study population was predominantly metabolically healthy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00020249; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00020249.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.3390/ijerph19031393.

Effectiveness of the SAFE eHealth Intervention for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse: Randomized Controlled Trial, Quantitative Process Evaluation, and Open Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) is a pervasive societal issue that impacts many women globally. Web-based help options are becoming increasingly available and have the ability to eliminate certain barriers in help seeking for IPVA, especially in improving accessibility.

OBJECTIVE

This study focused on the quantitative evaluation of the SAFE eHealth intervention for women IPVA survivors.

METHODS

A total of 198 women who experienced IPVA participated in a randomized controlled trial and quantitative process evaluation. Participants were largely recruited on the internet and signed up through self-referral. They were allocated (blinded for the participants) to (1) the intervention group (N=99) with access to a complete version of a help website containing 4 modules on IPVA, support options, mental health, and social support, and with interactive components such as a chat, or (2) the limited-intervention control group (N=99). Data were gathered about self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and multiple feasibility aspects. The primary outcome was self-efficacy at 6 months. The process evaluation focused on themes, such as ease of use and feeling helped. In an open feasibility study (OFS; N=170), we assessed demand, implementation, and practicality. All data for this study were collected through web-based self-report questionnaires and automatically registered web-based data such as page visits and amount of logins.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference over time between groups for self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, fear of partner, awareness, and perceived support. However, both study arms showed significantly decreased scores for anxiety and fear of partner. Most participants in both groups were satisfied, but the intervention group showed significantly higher scores for suitability and feeling helped. However, we encountered high attrition for the follow-up surveys. Furthermore, the intervention was positively evaluated on multiple feasibility aspects. The average amount of logins did not significantly differ between the study arms, but participants in the intervention arm did spend significantly more time on the website. An increase in registrations during the OFS (N=170) was identified: the mean amount of registrations per month was 13.2 during the randomized controlled trial and 56.7 during the OFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings did not show a significant difference in outcomes between the extensive SAFE intervention and the limited-intervention control group. It is, however, difficult to quantify the real contribution of the interactive components, as the control group also had access to a limited version of the intervention for ethical reasons. Both groups were satisfied with the intervention they received, with the intervention study arm significantly more so than the control study arm. Integrated and multilayered approaches are needed to aptly quantify the impact of web-based IPVA interventions for survivors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NL7108 NTR7313; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR7313.

Cancer Resource and Information Support (CRIS) for Bladder Cancer Survivors and Their Caregivers: Development and Usability Testing Study

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer survivors and their caregivers face profound practical (eg, use of stoma appliances and care for urinary diversion methods) and psychosocial (eg, depression and anxiety) challenges after surgical treatment with cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To improve the health-related quality of life and postsurgical outcomes of both bladder cancer survivors and their caregivers, the team, in collaboration with Sourcetop, Inc (software design) and Dappersmith (graphic design), developed the Cancer Resource and Information Support (CRIS) software. The purpose of this manuscript is to report on the development and usability testing of the CRIS software.

METHODS

The development of the CRIS software was guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for developing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases. The ORBIT model is unique in that it proposes a flexible and progressive process with prespecific clinically significant milestones for forward movement and returns to earlier stages for refinement, and it facilitates communication among diverse groups by using terminology from the drug development model. This paper focuses on 2 phases of the ORBIT model: phase IA: define and IB: refine. During phase IA, the study team developed solutions for the stated clinical problem-adjustment to life post cystectomy-by reviewing the literature and collecting feedback from clinicians, professional organizations, bladder cancer survivors, and their caregivers. During Phase IB, the study team focused on tailoring content in the CRIS software to the user as well as usability testing with 7 participants.

RESULTS

The finished product is CRIS, a web-based software for survivors of bladder cancer and their caregivers to serve as a health management and lifestyle resource after surgery. Overarching themes from phase IA (participant feedback) included how to use new medical equipment, tips and tricks for easier living with new medical equipment, questions about health maintenance, and questions about lifestyle modifications. To accommodate our target population, we also incorporated recommendations from the Americans with Disabilities Act for website design, such as large text size, large paragraph spacing, highly contrasting text and background colors, use of headings and labels to describe the purpose of the content, portrait orientation without the need for horizontal scrolling, multiple ways to access a web page within a set of pages, ability to navigate web pages in sequential order, and in-text links that are descriptive. Usability participants evaluated CRIS very positively, indicating that it was easy to use, the functions were well-integrated, and if available, they would use CRIS frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

CRIS, developed over the course of 18 months by integrating feedback from experts, literature reviews, and usability testing, is the first web-based software developed for bladder cancer survivors and their caregivers to help them adjust to life following cystectomy. The efficacy of CRIS in improving patients' and caregivers' quality of life is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Opioid dose and pain effects of an online pain self-management program to augment usual care in adults with chronic pain: a multisite randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Readily accessible nonpharmacological interventions that can assist in opioid dose reduction while managing pain is a priority for adults receiving long-term opioid therapy (LOT). Few large-scale evaluations of online pain self-management programs exist that capture effects on reducing morphine equivalent dose (MED) simultaneously with pain outcomes. An open-label, intent-to-treat, randomized clinical trial recruited adults (n = 402) with mixed chronic pain conditions from primary care and pain clinics of 2 U.S. academic healthcare systems. All participants received LOT-prescriber-provided treatment of MED ≥ 20 mg while receiving either E-health (a 4-month subscription to the online Goalistics Chronic Pain Management Program), or treatment as usual (TAU). Among 402 participants (279 women [69.4%]; mean [SD] age, 56.7 [11.0] years), 200 were randomized to E-health and 202 to TAU. Of 196 E-heath participants, 105 (53.6%) achieved a ≥15% reduction in daily MED compared with 85 (42.3%) of 201 TAU participants (odds ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1-2.3]; P = 0.02); number-needed-to-treat was 8.9 (95% CI, 4.8, 66.0). Of 166 E-health participants, 24 (14.5%) achieved a ≥2 point decrease in pain intensity vs 13 (6.8%) of 192 TAU participants (odds ratio, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.2-4.9]; P = 0.02). Benefits were also observed in pain knowledge, pain self-efficacy, and pain coping. The findings suggest that for adults on LOT for chronic pain, use of E-health, compared with TAU, significantly increased participants' likelihood of clinically meaningful decreases in MED and pain. This low-burden online intervention could assist adults on LOT in reducing daily opioid use while self-managing pain symptom burdens.

Moral Elevation Online Intervention for Veterans Experiencing Distress Related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Moral Injury (MOVED): Pilot Trial of a 4-Week Positive Psychology Web-Based Intervention

BACKGROUND

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury can encounter several barriers to treatment, including limited access to care and low engagement with therapy. Furthermore, most treatment approaches focus on alleviating distress rather than cultivating positive experiences that could facilitate trauma recovery. A potential way to address these issues is through moral elevation: feeling uplifted and inspired by others' virtuous actions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, web-based moral elevation intervention for veterans with PTSD symptoms and moral injury distress (Moral Elevation Online Intervention for Veterans Experiencing Distress Related to PTSD and Moral Injury [MOVED]). This mixed methods study also examined potential changes in PTSD symptoms, moral injury distress, quality of life, and prosocial behavior.

METHODS

In this pilot trial, 48 participants were randomized to a MOVED or control condition (24 participants per condition). Both conditions included 8 sessions and lasted 1 month. The MOVED intervention and all survey components across both conditions were administered online. Participants completed self-report measures that assessed PTSD symptoms, moral injury distress, quality of life, and prosocial behavior at baseline and follow-up. Veterans in the MOVED condition also completed individual qualitative interviews at follow-up. We coded qualitative responses to interviews and identified emergent themes.

RESULTS

Findings suggest the MOVED intervention was largely feasible, with evidence for moderate-to-high levels of participation, engagement, and retention in MOVED sessions. Both quantitative and qualitative results suggest veterans found MOVED to be acceptable and satisfactory at the overall treatment level. Furthermore, participants reported high scores for helpfulness and engagement at the session level. Veterans who completed MOVED reported large within-person decreases in PTSD symptoms (Cohen d=1.44), approximately twice that of veterans in the control condition (Cohen d=0.78). Those in MOVED also reported medium-sized increases in physical (Cohen d=0.71) and psychological domains of quality of life (Cohen d=0.74), compared with no meaningful changes in the control condition. Unexpectedly, MOVED veterans reported no decrease in moral injury distress, whereas veterans in the control condition endorsed a medium-sized decrease in the total score. There were no changes in prosociality for either condition. Qualitative feedback further supported high levels of perceived acceptability and satisfaction and positive treatment outcomes across a range of domains, including behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and social functioning. Veterans also recommended adaptations to enhance engagement and maximize the impact of intervention content.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, findings indicate that veterans with PTSD and moral injury distress were interested in an intervention based on exposure to and engagement with experiences of moral elevation. After further research and refinement guided by future trials, veterans may benefit from this novel approach, which may enhance treatment outcomes and increase treatment accessibility for those in need of additional trauma-focused care.

A Digital Single-Session Intervention Platform for Youth Mental Health: Cultural Adaptation, Evaluation, and Dissemination

BACKGROUND

Despite the proliferation of evidence-based digital mental health programs for young people, their low uptake and inconsistent implementation preclude them from benefiting youths at scale. Identifying effective implementation strategies for evidence-based supports is especially critical in regions where treatment access is lowest owing to mental health provider shortages.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this academic-community partnership, funded by the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, was to culturally adapt, disseminate, and gauge the acceptability and utility of an evidence-based digital mental health platform-Project Youth Empowerment and Support (YES)-among English- and Spanish-speaking youths living in south Texas.

METHODS

Project YES is an open-access, anonymous platform containing 3 evidence-based, self-guided interventions for youth mental health. Project YES was culturally adapted via focus groups and co-design sessions with San Antonio youths with lived experience of depression and anxiety; translated into Spanish; and disseminated throughout San Antonio, Texas, via community and school partnerships.

RESULTS

During the project period (April 2021 to December 2021), 1801 San Antonio youths began and 894 (49.64%) of them completed a 30-minute, single-session intervention within Project YES (aged 11-17 years; n=718, 39.87% male; n=961, 53.36% female; and n=3, 0.17% intersex; n=1477, 82.01% Hispanic; n=77, 4.28% non-Hispanic White; n=113, 6.27% Black; n=28, 1.55% Asian; and n=93, 5.16% other). This completion rate (49.64%) surpassed those previously observed for Project YES (eg, 34% when disseminated via social media). San Antonio youths rated Project YES as highly acceptable across all metrics, both in English and Spanish. In addition, the youths who completed Project YES-ENGLISH reported significant improvements in hopelessness (Cohen d=0.33; P<001), self-hate (Cohen d=0.27; P<001), and perceived agency (Cohen d=0.25; P<001) from before to after the intervention, and the youths who completed Project YES-SPANISH reported significant improvements in self-hate (Cohen d=0.37; P=.049) from before to after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that Project YES-an open-access, free, and anonymous web-based single-session intervention platform-is an acceptable, accessible, and applicable mental health support for English- and Spanish-speaking San Antonio youths.

Lifestyle Intervention in NAFLD: Long-Term Diabetes Incidence in Subjects Treated by Web- and Group-Based Programs

BACKGROUND

Behavioral programs are needed for prevention and treatment of NAFLD and the effectiveness of a web-based intervention (WBI) is similar to a standard group-based intervention (GBI) on liver disease biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to test the long-term effectiveness of both programs on diabetes incidence, a common outcome in NAFLD progression.

METHODS

546 NAFLD individuals (212 WBI, 334 GBI) were followed up to 60 months with regular 6- to 12-month hospital visits. The two cohorts differed in several socio-demographic and clinical data. In the course of the years, the average BMI similarly decreased in both cohorts, by 5% or more in 24.4% and by 10% or more in 16.5% of cases available at follow-up. After excluding 183 cases with diabetes at entry, diabetes was newly diagnosed in 48 cases during follow-up (31 (16.6% of cases without diabetes at entry) in the GBI cohort vs. 17 (9.7%) in WBI; p = 0.073). Time to diabetes was similar in the two cohorts (mean, 31 ± 18 months since enrollment). At multivariable regression analysis, incident diabetes was significantly associated with prediabetes (odds ratio (OR) 4.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.97-9.81; p < 0.001), percent weight change (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.41-0.79; p < 0.001) and higher education (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.27-0.86; p = 0.014), with no effect of other baseline socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical data, and of the type of intervention. The importance of weight change on incident diabetes were confirmed in a sensitivity analysis limited to individuals who completed the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In individuals with NAFLD, WBI is as effective as GBI on the pending long-term risk of diabetes, via similar results on weight change.

Web-Based Mind-Body Tactical Resilience Training Program for First Responders: Pre-Post Study Assessing Feasibility, Acceptability, and Usability

BACKGROUND

First responders report elevated rates of mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet many are reluctant to seek care. Preventative resilience training programs attempt to proactively address this issue, and there is evidence showing promise for programs targeting cognitive processes. However, these programs rarely address the physical health conditions associated with PTSD. There is emerging evidence of mind-body exercise training improving PTSD symptoms as well as its associated physical health symptoms. However, the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a web-based mind-body resilience training among first responders are not yet known.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of a web-based mind-body tactical resilience training program designed for first responders. In addition, we explored the preliminary effectiveness of the training program on mental health outcomes, adaptive cognitive strategies, and work productivity.

METHODS

A total of 42 first responders based in the United States enrolled in the web-based training program. Participants were administered web-based surveys before enrolling in the 6-week web-based program and at the end of the program. The primary outcomes of feasibility were measured using the number of training hours, program adherence rates, and self-reported data on frequency of practice. Acceptability and usability were measured using self-reported data. Secondary outcomes were symptoms of PTSD, psychological distress, emotion regulation, stress mindset, psychological preparedness, and work performance.

RESULTS

Overall, the training program was feasible based on the median number of training hours spent on the web-based program (7.57 hours out of an expected total of 6 to 9 hours), and 55% (23/42) of the enrolled participants completed more than half of the program. Although acceptability, usability, and frequency of practice were rated as high, this was based on only 29% (12/42) of the respondents who provided follow-up data. Secondary outcomes showed a significant improvement in the adaptive cognitive strategy of the stress mindset, with a mean difference of -5.42 (SD 4.81; 95% CI -8.475 to -2.358; t₁₁=-3.898; P=.002). All other secondary outcomes were not significant. However, the secondary outcomes were exploratory only, and this study was neither designed nor powered to adequately assess efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a mind-body tactical resilience training program delivered in a web-based format is feasible and acceptable among first responders; however, further refinements may be required to improve adherence rates. Further research using a larger, more rigorous trial design is warranted to examine the effectiveness of this type of training as a possible prevention or treatment strategy for this population.

Nurse-led web-based patient education reduces anxiety in thyroidectomy patients: A randomized controlled study

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of web-based patient education on anxiety in patients scheduled for thyroid surgery. A secondary aim was to evaluate the patients' postoperative recovery outcomes.

DESIGN

This study is a randomized controlled trial.

METHOD

The study was conducted at a university hospital in Turkey between September 2018 and May 2019 with 76 patients scheduled for thyroidectomy surgery and randomly assigned into two groups. Patients in the intervention group received web-based education, while those in the control group were given only routine care. Measurements were performed before surgery, on the day of surgery, and 1 week after discharge.

RESULTS

On the day of surgery, intervention group anxiety levels were lower than those of the control group, and the majority of early recovery parameters were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group. One week after discharge, the intervention group patients' anxiety levels were significantly lower. Web-based education had no impact on pain, time in the operating room, readmission to the hospital after discharge, or length of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led web-based education reduced patients' anxiety regarding surgery. The results also show that it may improve postoperative early recovery.

Positive Health Check intervention tool usage during a feasibility pilot in HIV primary care clinics

Positive Health Check (PHC), an interactive, web-based intervention, provides tailored behavioral health messages to support people with HIV in their HIV care. Users interact with a virtual doctor and based on responses to tailoring questions, PHC delivers relevant content modules addressing treatment initiation, medication adherence, retention in care, sexual risk reduction, mother-to-child transmission, and injection drug use. During a one-month feasibility pilot of PHC, patients in four HIV primary care clinics were invited to use PHC and tool usage metrics were collected and assessed. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize how the tool was used based on behavioral risk scenarios presented.Ninety-seven patients accessed PHC as part of the pilot, with 68 (70.1%) completing the intervention on average in 15 min. Out of 85 patients who viewed behavioral tips and commitments, 66 (77.7%) selected at least one tip to practice and 41 (48.2%) made at least one commitment to ask their provider a question. Patients spent the most time with adherence and sexual risk reduction content. The high level of tool engagement suggests that PHC was acceptable to patients regardless of length of time since diagnosis. PHC can be completed within a single visit and is a promising tool for PWH.

Effects of a Web-Based Weight Loss Program on the Healthy Eating Index-NVS in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and the Association with Dietary, Anthropometric and Cardiometabolic Variables: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This randomized, controlled clinical trial examined the impact of a web-based weight loss intervention on diet quality. Furthermore, it was investigated whether corresponding changes in diet quality were associated with changes in measures of cardiovascular risk profile. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5 to 34.9 kg/m2 and an age of 18 to 65 y were assigned to either an interactive and fully automated web-based weight loss program focusing on dietary energy density (intervention) or a non-interactive web-based weight loss program (control). Examinations were performed at baseline (t0), after the 12-week web-based intervention (t1), and after an additional 6 (t2) and 12 months (t3). Based on a dietary record, the Healthy Eating Index-NVS (HEI-NVS) was calculated and analyzed using a robust linear mixed model. In addition, bootstrapped correlations were performed independently of study group to examine associations between change in HEI-NVS and change in dietary, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic variables. A total of n = 153 participants with a mean BMI of 30.71 kg/m2 (SD 2.13) and an average age of 48.92 y (SD 11.17) were included in the study. HEI-NVS improved significantly in the intervention group from baseline (t0) to t2 (p = 0.003) and to t3 (p = 0.037), whereby the course was significantly different up to t2 (p = 0.013) and not significantly different up to t3 (p = 0.054) compared to the control group. Independent of study group, there was a significant negative association between change in HEI-NVS and dietary energy density. A higher total score in HEI-NVS did not correlate with improvements in cardiovascular risk profile. The interactive and fully automated web-based weight loss program improved diet quality. Independent of study group, changes in HEI-NVS correlated with changes in energy density, but there was no association between improvements in HEI-NVS and improvements in cardiovascular risk profile.

A web-based psychoeducational simulation game for adults in stepfamilies (GSteps)-study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility trial

Background

Stepfamilies are a prevalent family form. However, less stable than nuclear, first marriage families due to the presence of risk factors such as the absence of social norms and the presence of stepchildren. Stepfamilies have unique educational needs regarding stepparenting and co-parenting issues. The development and documentation of psychoeducational intervention strategies can facilitate dissemination of ongoing studies and promote transparency. This article describes the background, design and protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the eficacy and feasibility of a web-based Psychoeducational Simulation Game (GSteps). Behavior-modeling video training (BMT) is used to demonstrate and promote relational skills, stepparenting and co-parenting effective strategies for adults in stepfamilies. A mental health professional will be available within the GSteps platform for clarification or emotional support.

Methods/design

A RCT design is presented to evaluate the outcomes of a self-administered, interactive and web-based psychoeducational Game targeting dyadic marital adjustment and interpersonal skills as the primary outcomes and remarriage beliefs, family function and stepparenting and co-parenting attitudes as the secondary outcomes. Other outcome measures include satisfaction with GSteps, participants' knowledge learned after the intervention and a purposive sampling method will be used to access feasibility. The minimum required sample size is 112 participants (56 per condition) randomly allocated either to an experimental group (EG), receiving GSteps intervention, or to a wait-list control group (CG). A survey is conducted electronically. Assessments take place at baseline (T₀ ), after the intervention (T₁ ) and 1-month follow-up (T₂ ).

Discussion

This protocol presents a RCT aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a web-based psychoeducational intervention (GSteps) designed for improving marital, stepparenting and co-parenting skills in adults who live in stepfamilies. The use of the protocol and results of intervention studies may guide the use and refinement of web-based psychoeducational intervention for stepfamilies. Additionally, GSteps may become a tool for health professionals to enhance stepfamily functioning, stepparenting skills, and marital adjustment of remarried adults.

Development of the Web-Based Spanish Version of the Barthel Index in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to develop a web-based Spanish form of the Barthel index (BI), to evaluate its psychometric properties and stability over time (test-retest), and to determine minimal detectable change (MDC) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

Participants answered the BI on two forms (web-based and face-to-face interview), 7-10 days apart. The internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and intraclass correlation (ICC) and kappa (κ) coefficients were used to investigate the agreement between both forms.

RESULTS

143 participants were included. The Spanish web-based form of the BI showed excellent agreement between both forms for each item (κ = 0.86 (0.79 to 0.92), and for total score (κ = 0.87 (0.81 to 0.93); ICC = 0.99 (0.98 to 0.99). The internal consistency was good-excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89 (0.86-0.91)). The stability over time was adequate, the agreement of each item was κ = 0.63 (0.52-0.74)), and for total score (ICC = 0.97), determining a MDC₉₅ of 12.09 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish web-based form of the BI is a valid and reliable tool to assess functionality and can be applied in both formats in patients with MS. A total score difference of more than 12 points was found to indicate a deterioration or improvement in the patient's functionality.

Web-Based Personalized Intervention to Improve Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy of Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Long-term breast cancer survivors (>5 years free of disease) may suffer late sequelae of cancer that impact on their quality of life. The use of telehealth for cancer care is recommended but little is known about the effectiveness of digital interventions for long-term cancer survivors. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based personalized intervention based on artificial intelligence instead of usual primary health care to improve the quality of life of long-term survivors of breast cancer and self-efficacy for the management of late sequelae. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted. The sample will consist of long-term breast cancer survivors recruited from primary health centers. Women will be randomly assigned to the intervention group to receive a web-based personalized intervention or to the control group to receive standard primary health care by nurses. Data on quality of life of cancer survivors and self-efficacy for the management of late sequelae of cancer will be collected and assessed at preintervention, and at 3, 6, and 9 months. It is expected that, at the end of the programme, the experimental group will have improved quality of life and improved self-efficacy for the management of late sequelae of cancer.

Web-Based Interventions to Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Older Adults: Scoping Review

Background

With the aging of the population and rising rates of chronic diseases, web-based interventions could be considered to support older adults in adopting healthy lifestyles. To date, published knowledge syntheses have focused on quantitative studies among older adults aged ≥50 years. However, those aged ≥65 years may have different needs to be met by these interventions because of the biological and physiological changes associated with aging, and qualitative studies could help advance knowledge in this field.

Objective

The objective of this scoping review is to explore the extent of the literature on web-based interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among people aged ≥65 years.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted based on the framework proposed by Levac et al. Six databases (ie, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Joanna Briggs Library) and gray literature (ie, Google Scholar and OpenGrey) were searched. The final search was conducted on June 23, 2021. The studies were selected by 2 persons (AL and ML) independently. The included studies were systematic reviews and qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on web-based interventions to promote healthy lifestyles in people aged ≥65 years that were published in French or English between 1990 and 2021. Data were extracted in a table and synthesized based on the conceptualization of web-based interventions (ie, according to the use parameters, behavior change techniques, delivery modes, and theories). A thematic analysis was performed.

Results

In total, 20 articles were included in this review, which represents studies focused on 11 distinct interventions. All of the interventions (11/11, 100%) aimed to promote physical activity among older adults. The number of intervention sessions varied from 5 to 16, with a frequency from daily to once every 2 weeks. Diverse delivery modes such as electronic diary, video, and phone call were found. The most used behavior change techniques were instruction, feedback, and self-monitoring. Few interventions (6/11, 55%) were based on a theory. A favorable trend was observed in increasing physical activity, and 5 themes emerged that appeared to be central to behavior change among older adults: motivation, support, tailoring, barriers, and perceptions.

Conclusions

This scoping review provides a better understanding of the components of web-based interventions and their outcomes on the healthy lifestyles of people aged ≥65 years. These findings could provide important guidance for the design and development of future web-based interventions in this field. Further research is needed to continue the development and evaluation of innovative and accessible interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among older adults.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/23207

A Web-Based Intervention to Improve Health Literacy and Obesogenic Behaviors Among Adolescents: Protocol of a Randomized Pilot Feasibility Study for a Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Predictive theoretical models suggest that health knowledge works in conjunction with motivation and behavioral skills to influence adolescents' obesogenic behavior. However, most of the existing adolescent interventions target these variables in isolation. Furthermore, health literacy (HL), a precursor to health knowledge, is necessary for translating health knowledge into behavior and is negatively related to adolescents' obesity status. However, HL has not been included in obesity interventions targeting adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to pilot the feasibility of a 2-armed web-based obesity prevention intervention in school settings and assess the preliminary effectiveness of adding an HL module to an obesity prevention intervention for adolescents.

METHODS

This web-based pilot feasibility study will take place in the Northeastern United States. Participants will be adolescents (aged 13-16 years) attending school, and recruitment will be conducted through flyers to parents and adolescents in participating classes or advisory groups at the school. The intervention includes 2 arms: an experimental arm that will receive an HL module and 3 obesity prevention modules and a comparison arm that will receive a vaping module and 3 obesity prevention modules. A blinded randomized procedure will be used to allocate classrooms and advisory groups to the experimental and comparison arms. The intervention will be fully web-based. Participants will complete measures of their HL and obesogenic behavior-related health knowledge, motivation, and behaviors at 3 time points (baseline, 1 month after the intervention, and 3 months after the intervention) via web-based surveys. The primary outcomes will be the measures of study feasibility (recruitment, retention, completion, and treatment fidelity rates). Secondary outcomes will be preliminary efficacy, as measured by logistic and linear regressions and calculation of effect sizes. Descriptive statistics will be calculated for all measures at each time point.

RESULTS

This study was approved by the City University of New York Institutional Review Board in August 2020. As of June 2022, the web-based intervention design is complete and ready for use. Recruitment, data collection, and intervention implementation are scheduled to begin in September 2022. These results are expected to be published in 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's feasibility findings will inform changes to the intervention content and randomized controlled trial design. The study's efficacy findings will inform the sample size for the full-scale randomized controlled trial and the preliminary utility of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04252677; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04252677.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/40191.

Outcomes from a pilot online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program for dementia family caregivers

OBJECTIVES

Psychosocial and cognitive-behavioral dementia caregiver interventions are effective, yet accessing counselor/therapist-led programs can be costly and difficult. Face-to-face therapist-led Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is highly effective in dementia caregivers, as established by two different randomized control trials. The current study evaluates a pilot ACT for Caregivers program, which is a community-based, self-guided, online adaptation of ACT.

METHOD

Participants (N = 51; M_age=66.0 S. D =11.7, 80% women) completed 10 self-guided sessions teaching ACT, along with accessing an online dementia education library.

RESULTS

Repeated measures ANOVA from pre-, posttest, and 4-week follow-up demonstrated decreased depressive symptoms, burden, and stress reactions to behavioral symptoms, and increased positive aspects of caregiving and quality of life. ACT-specific measures improved, with decreases in cognitive fusion and psychological inflexibility (AAQ-II), and improvements in living according to personal values (Valuing_Progress increased; Valuing_Obstruction decreased). All outcomes were statistically significant (at p < .01) and sustained over 4-week follow-up. Although this was a non-clinical sample, the program demonstrated clinical significance, as average depressive symptoms were at the clinical cutoff at baseline, but one standard deviation below clinical cut-off at post-test and 4-week followup. Use of education materials was low (29% of participants used these, albeit rating them helpful), suggesting that ACT likely contributed more to overall improvements.

CONCLUSION

The online ACT for Caregivers pilot program offers an empirically supported translation of traditional ACT, improving accessibility, and affordability for family dementia caregivers.

Behavioral Change Factors and Retention in Web-Based Interventions for Informal Caregivers of People Living With Dementia: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Web-based interventions aimed at supporting informal caregivers of people living with dementia have the potential to improve caregivers' well-being and psychological health. However, few interventions are widely implemented for this population, and none of the prior reviews have systematically examined the use of behavior change techniques (BCTs), theories, and agents in web-based interventions for informal caregivers of people living with dementia. To better understand this implementation gap, we reviewed the literature to map behavioral factors (BCTs, theories, and agents) deployed in the studies. Furthermore, because there is an emerging consensus that retention could be shaped by participant characteristics and behavioral factors, we explored relationships between these features and retention rates across studies.

OBJECTIVE

We pursued 3 objectives: to map behavioral factors involved in the web-based interventions for informal caregivers of people living with dementia; to examine the relationship between behavioral change elements and retention in the studies; and to examine the relationship between participant characteristics (gender, age, and spouse or adult children caregiver proportion) and study retention.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review using the following keywords and their corresponding Medical Subject Headings terms: dementia, caregivers, and web-based intervention. The time limits were January 1998 to March 2022. Using the BCTv1 taxonomy, which specifies active behavioral components in interventions, 2 coders collected, summarized, and analyzed the frequency distributions of BCTs. Similarly, they abstracted and analyzed participant characteristics, behavior change theories, behavior change agents, and retention rates in the studies.

RESULTS

The average age was 61.5 (SD 7.4) years, and the average proportion of spousal informal caregivers, adult children informal caregivers, and retention rates were 51.2% (SD 24.8%), 44.8% (SD 22%), and 70.4% (SD 17%), respectively. Only 53% (17/32) of the studies used behavior change theories, but 81% (26/32) included behavior change agents. The most common BCTv1 clusters were shaping knowledge and social support. The median number of BCTv1 clusters was 5 (IQR 3). We observed a negative correlation between the proportion of spousal informal caregivers and the retention rate (r=-0.45; P=.02) and between the number of BCTv1 clusters and retention rates (r=-0.47; P=.01). We also found that the proportion of adult children informal caregivers in the study was significantly and positively correlated with the retention rate (r=0.5; P=.03). No other participant characteristics or behavioral factors were associated with retention rates.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that almost half of the studies were not informed by behavior change theories. In addition, spousal involvement and a higher number of BCTs were each associated with lower retention rates, while the involvement of adult children caregivers in the study was associated with higher retention. In planning future studies, researchers should consider matching participant characteristics with their intended intervention as the alignment might improve their retention rates.

Dose-Response Relationship of a Blended In-Person and Online Family-Based Childhood Obesity Management Program: Secondary Analysis of a Behavior Intervention

BACKGROUND

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) was a 10-week, blended, in-person and online lifestyle intervention for families with children who were off the healthy weight trajectory. The engagement pattern and the dose response of EIP have not been examined.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this paper are to examine families' engagement patterns with the EIP and to evaluate the dose-response relationship between EIP engagement patterns and physical activity and healthy eating-related outcomes at 10 weeks.

METHODS

Families with children (8-12 years old) who are off the healthy weight trajectory (child BMI ≥85th percentile for age and sex) were recruited. Pre- and postintervention questionnaires assessed child lifestyle behaviors, parental support behaviors, family lifestyle habits, as well as parental physical activity and healthy-eating identity. Hierarchical cluster analysis of both in-person and online components was used to classify engagement patterns. Regression analysis assessed differences in outcomes by engagement groups.

RESULTS

Two distinct clusters of engagement groups were identified (N=66), which were in-person (IP; n=40, 61%) and in-person + online (IP+; n=26, 39%) engagement. Relative to the IP group at week 10, IP+ showed a greater child moderate-to-vigorous physical activity level (1.53, SD 0.56; P=.008), child physical activity confidence (1.04, SD 0.37; P=.007), parental support for child physical activity (5.54, SD 2.57; P=.04) and healthy eating (2.43, SD 1.16; P=.04), family habits for physical activity (3.02, SD 1.50; P=.049) and healthy eating (3.95, SD 1.84; P=.04), and parental identity for physical activity (2.82, SD 1.19; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The online EIP portal complemented the in-person sessions. Additional engagement with the portal was associated with greater improvements in child physical activity and parental support behaviors, habits, and identity for physical activity.

Pilot Testing in the Wild: Feasibility, Acceptability, Usage Patterns, and Efficacy of an Integrated Web and Smartphone Platform for Bipolar II Disorder

Background

Bipolar II disorder (BD-II) is associated with significant burden, disability, and mortality; however, there continues to be a dearth of evidence-based psychological interventions for this condition. Technology-mediated interventions incorporating self-management have untapped potential to help meet this need as an adjunct to usual clinical care.

Objective

The objective of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical utility of a novel intervention for BD-II (Tailored Recovery-oriented Intervention for Bipolar II Experiences; TRIBE), in which mindfulness-based psychological content is delivered via an integrated web and smartphone platform. The focus of the study is evaluation of the dynamic use patterns emerging from ecological momentary assessment and intervention to assist the real-world application of mindfulness skills learned from web-delivered modules.

Methods

An open trial design using pretest and posttest assessments with nested qualitative evaluation was used. Individuals (aged 18-65 years) with a diagnosis of BD-II were recruited worldwide and invited to use a prototype of the TRIBE intervention over a 3-week period. Data were collected via web-based questionnaires and phone interviews at baseline and 3-week follow-up.

Results

A total of 25 participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments. Adherence rates (daily app use) were 65.6% across the 3-week study, with up to 88% (22/25) of participants using the app synergistically alongside the web-based program. Despite technical challenges with the prototype intervention (from user, hardware, and software standpoints), acceptability was adequate, and most participants rated the intervention positively in terms of concept (companion app with website: 19/25, 76%), content (19/25, 76%), and credibility and utility in supporting their management of bipolar disorder (17/25, 68%). Evaluation using behavioral archetypes identified important use pathways and a provisional model to inform platform refinement. As hypothesized, depression scores significantly decreased after the intervention (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale baseline mean 8.60, SD 6.86, vs follow-up mean 6.16, SD 5.11; t₂₄=2.63; P=.01; Cohen d=0.53, 95% CI 0.52-4.36).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that TRIBE is feasible and represents an appropriate and acceptable self-management program for patients with BD-II. Preliminary efficacy results are promising and support full development of TRIBE informed by the present behavioral archetype analysis. Modifications suggested by the pilot study include increasing the duration of the intervention and increasing technical support.

The Effects of a Web-Based Tool for Parents of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of autoinflammatory diseases that cause pain and disability if not controlled by treatment. Parenting a child with JIA is stressful for parents, who express concerns about their child's treatment and may experience anxiety and powerlessness concerning their child's illness. Parenting stress is greater in parents of children with chronic illness than in those with healthy children and is related to poorer psychological adjustment in both parents and children. It is therefore important to develop interventions to support parents. This paper reports the evaluation of a web-based tool that provides information and practical skills to help increase parents' confidence in managing their child's illness and reduce parenting stress.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of a web-based tool (WebParC) for parents of children with recently diagnosed JIA.

METHODS

A multicentered randomized controlled trial was conducted at pediatric rheumatology centers in England. We recruited parents of children aged ≤12 years who had been diagnosed with JIA within the previous 6 months. They were randomized to the intervention (WebParC access plus standard care) or the control (standard care alone) and followed up 4 months and 12 months after randomization. Where both parents participated, they were randomized by household to the same trial arm. The WebParC intervention consists of information about JIA and its treatment plus a toolkit, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, to help parents develop skills to manage JIA-related issues. The primary outcome was the self-report Pediatric Inventory for Parents measure of illness-related parenting stress. The secondary outcomes were parental mood, self-efficacy, coping, effectiveness of participation in their child's health care, satisfaction with health care, and child's health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

A total of 203 households comprising 220 parents were randomized to the intervention (100/203, 49.3%) or control (103/203, 50.7%) arm. Follow-up assessments were completed by 65.5% (133/203) of the households at 4 months (intervention 60/100, 60%, and control 73/103, 70.9%) and 61.1% (124/203) of the households at 12 months (intervention 58/100, 58%, and control 66/103, 64.1%). A main effect of the trial arm was found on the Pediatric Inventory for Parents: the intervention participants reported less frequency (subscales communication F_1,120627=5.37; P=.02, and role function F_1,27203=5.40; P=.02) and difficulty (subscales communication F_1,2237=7.43; P=.006, medical care F_1,2907=4.04; P=.04, and role function F_1,821=4.37, P=.04) regarding illness-related stressful events than the control participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The WebParC website for parents of children with JIA reduced illness-related parenting stress. This web-based intervention offers a feasible preventive approach for parents of children with JIA and potentially could be adapted and evaluated for parents of children with other chronic illnesses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 13159730; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13159730.

A Tailored Web-Based Video Intervention (ParentCoach) to Support Parents With Children With Sleeping Problems: User-Centered Design Approach

Background

Many parents frequently struggle with undesirable or problematic behavior (ie, temper tantrums and whining) displayed by their child. To support parents in promoting positive parenting skills (ie, recognizing challenging situations and reacting appropriately), the interactive video e-learning tool ParentCoach was developed. The tool aims to teach parents generic behavioral responses by means of situational learning, tailoring, and problem solving. The first demonstration focused on sleeping problems.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the user-centered development of ParentCoach.

Methods

We conducted usability, understandability, and acceptance tests among the target group (29 parents, 7 youth health care professionals, and 4 individuals with former lower health literacy) in different phases of the development process via focus groups, interviews, and surveys. This allowed for relevant insights on specifications and user requirements to guide the development and revision of the tool in each iteration.

Results

Iterative testing and development allowed for the final demonstration of ParentCoach to be experienced as a relevant and accessible parenting intervention that can be used as a stand-alone program or in combination with another program.

Conclusions

This paper elaborates on the iterative development process and its benefits for the final demonstration of ParentCoach.

Activating Self-Transcendence Values to Promote Prosocial Behaviors among Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Positive Orientation

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected people's health, daily routine, and behaviors. Its effects have been most pronounced for the youngest and oldest generations. Their daily lives have completely changed throughout the pandemic. Self-transcendence values and positive orientation could facilitate optimal adjustment to this situation by promoting prosociality. The present study aimed to discover if applying a new, web-based intervention could activate self-transcendence values in a group of Italian adolescents, fostering COVID-19 prosocial behaviors while also considering the role of positive orientation. The study adopted a longitudinal, web-based, and quasi-experimental design. One hundred and forty adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age were involved in the study two times (T1-T2). Participants were assigned to an intervention or control group. All participants completed the self-transcendence subscale extracted from the 21-item Portrait Values Questionnaire, the Positive Orientation Scale, and the COVID-19 Prosocial Experiences Scale. The results showed that adolescents' self-transcendence values and positive orientation were positively associated with COVID-19 prosociality. However, the relationship between self-transcendence values and COVID-19 prosocial behaviors was significantly more robust in the intervention group. Finally, a three-way interaction (self-transcendence*group*positive orientation) emerged as significant. For the intervention group, the effect of self-transcendence values on COVID-19 prosocial behaviors was significant only for adolescents who reported a strong positive orientation. Limitations of the study, future research developments, and practical implications are discussed.

Satisfaction and Acceptability Ratings of a Web-Based Self-help Intervention for Depression: Retrospective Cross-sectional Study From a Resource-Limited Country

Background

Web-based interventions are at an early stage in non–English-speaking low- and middle-income countries, where they remain scarce. Help for Depression (HDep) is one of the few unguided web-based interventions available in Latin America. The results of a use/usability analysis of the original version served as the basis for generating a more user-friendly second version.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore participants’ satisfaction and acceptability for the second version of HDep.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional design was used. An email invitation to complete a web-based survey was sent to all people who accessed HDep in 2018. The questionnaire included satisfaction and acceptability scales and open-ended questions. Complete questionnaires were retrieved from 191 participants: 35.1% (67/191) from those who visited only the home page (home page users [HPUs]) and 6.47% (124/1916) from those who registered to use the program (program users [PUs]).

Results

In all groups, users experienced high levels of depressive symptoms (189/191, 98.9%; Center for Epidemiological Studies Scale-Depression >16). Moderate levels of satisfaction (HPUs: mean 21.9, SD 6.7; PUs: mean 21.1, SD 5.8; range: 8-32) and acceptability (HPUs: mean 13.8, SD 3.9; PUs: mean 13.9, SD 3.2; range: 5-20) were found in both groups. Logistic regression analyses showed that among HPUs, women were more satisfied with HDep (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.0), whereas among PUs, older respondents (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08), those with paid work (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.4-7.6), those who had not been in therapy (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.09-5.98), and those who had not attempted suicide (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-11.1) showed higher satisfaction. None of the sociodemographic/mental health variables distinguished the acceptability ratings among HPUs. Among PUs, those with paid work (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.5), those who had not been in therapy (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-7.3), those without disability (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.6), and those who had not attempted suicide (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.6) showed higher acceptability.

Conclusions

HDep has good levels of satisfaction and acceptability for approximately half of its users, and the information provided by respondents suggested feasible ways to remedy some of the deficiencies. This qualitative–quantitative study from a low- to middle-income, non–English-speaking country adds to existing knowledge regarding acceptance and satisfaction with web-based interventions for depression in resource-limited countries. This information is important for the creation and adaptation of web-based interventions in low- and middle-income countries, where access to treatment is a major concern, and web-based prevention and treatment programs can help deliver evidence-based alternatives. It is necessary to document the pitfalls, strengths, and challenges of such interventions in this context. Understanding how users perceive an intervention might suggest modifications to increase adherence.