35 research outputs found
OptimalMe Program: A Mixed Method Investigation into the Engagement and Acceptability of a Preconception Digital Health Lifestyle Intervention with Individual Coaching for Women’s Health and Behaviour Change
Preconception interventions, specifically addressing general health, lifestyle behaviours and weight management, are limited despite their importance in optimising women’s health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the engagement and acceptability of OptimalMe, a digital preconception intervention. Participants, (n = 298) Australian women aged 18–44 with private health insurance planning to conceive within 12 months, received a standardised intervention, including access to a digital healthy lifestyle platform (educational materials, behaviour change activities, and self-monitoring resources), ongoing text messaging, and remotely delivered health coaching (two appointments) with randomised delivery methods (telephone/videoconference). Engagement and acceptability were assessed through mixed method analyses. The results show that 76.2% attended both coaching sessions, with similar participation rates for telehealth (75.2%) and videoconferencing (77.2%) (p = 0.469). All participants logged into the digital platform, with 90.6% accessing educational materials and 91.3% using behaviour change tools. Digital platform engagement declined over time, suggesting potential benefits from additional health coaching support for ongoing participation. The post-intervention evaluation (n = 217 participants) demonstrated that approximately 90% found the digital module engaging, meeting information needs, would recommend the program, and were satisfied with the support. OptimalMe demonstrated positive acceptability and engagement; however, further research is warranted to explore strategies for sustaining engagement with the digital interventions
Assessing the Content and Quality of Digital Tools for Managing Gestational Weight Gain: Systematic Search and Evaluation
BackgroundDigital health resources have the potential to assist women in optimizing gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy to improve maternal health outcomes.
ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality and behavior change potential of publicly available digital tools (websites and apps) that facilitate GWG tracking.
MethodsDigital tools were identified using key search terms across website search engines and app stores and evaluated using the Mobile App Rating Scale, the App Behavior Change Scale, as well as criteria to evaluate the rigor and safety of GWG information.
ResultsOverall, 1085 tools were screened for inclusion (162 websites and 923 apps), and 19 were deemed eligible. The mean Mobile App Rating Scale quality score was 3.31 (SD 0.53) out of 5, ranging from 2.26 to 4.39, and the mean App Behavior Change Scale score was 6 (SD 3.4) out of 21, ranging from 19 to 0. Of the 19 items used to evaluate rigor of GWG advice, most tools (n=11, 57.9%) contained ≤3 items.
ConclusionsThis review emphasizes the substantial limitations in current digital resources promoting the monitoring and optimization of GWG. Most tools were of low quality, had minimal behavior change potential, and were potentially unsafe, with minimal linkage to evidence-based information or partnership with health care