A Mobile Social Networking App for Weight Management and Physical Activity Promotion: Results From an Experimental Mixed Methods Study

Autor: Laranjo, Liliana, Quiroz, Juan C, Tong, Huong Ly, Arevalo Bazalar, Maria, Coiera, Enrico
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol 22, Iss 12, p e19991 (2020)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1438-8871
DOI: 10.2196/19991
Popis: BackgroundSmartphone apps, fitness trackers, and online social networks have shown promise in weight management and physical activity interventions. However, there are knowledge gaps in identifying the most effective and engaging interventions and intervention features preferred by their users. ObjectiveThis 6-month pilot study on a social networking mobile app connected to wireless weight and activity tracking devices has 2 main aims: to evaluate changes in BMI, weight, and physical activity levels in users from different BMI categories and to assess user perspectives on the intervention, particularly on social comparison and automated self-monitoring and feedback features. MethodsThis was a mixed methods study involving a one-arm, pre-post quasi-experimental pilot with postintervention interviews and focus groups. Healthy young adults used a social networking mobile app intervention integrated with wireless tracking devices (a weight scale and a physical activity tracker) for 6 months. Quantitative results were analyzed separately for 2 groups—underweight-normal and overweight-obese BMI—using t tests and Wilcoxon sum rank, Wilcoxon signed rank, and chi-square tests. Weekly BMI change in participants was explored using linear mixed effects analysis. Interviews and focus groups were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. ResultsIn total, 55 participants were recruited (mean age of 23.6, SD 4.6 years; 28 women) and 45 returned for the final session (n=45, 82% retention rate). There were no differences in BMI from baseline to postintervention (6 months) and between the 2 BMI groups. However, at 4 weeks, participants’ BMI decreased by 0.34 kg/m2 (P
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