P43 Using the HelpMeDoit! app and website to set and monitor weight loss goals and mobilise social support: qualitative findings

Matthews, L. , Pugmire, J. , Simpson, S. and Moore, L. (2018) P43 Using the HelpMeDoit! app and website to set and monitor weight loss goals and mobilise social support: qualitative findings. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 72(1):A80. Meeting abstract: Society for Social Medicine 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting, Glasgow, UK, 5-7 Sept 2018. (doi: 10.1136/jech-2018-SSMabstracts.113)

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Abstract

Background: HelpMeDoIt! is an app/website that harnesses social support for weight loss by enabling participants to nominate friends/family to help them with their weight loss goals. The intervention focused on goal setting, self-monitoring and social support, guided by elements of control theory, social cognitive theory, self-determination theory and social support theories. Objective: To explore the views and experiences of trial participants and their helpers and explore whether the intervention theory was supported. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted at 6 mth follow-up, via telephone, with intervention participants (n=22) and their helpers (n=9). The sample included individuals who had and had not engaged regularly with the app/website. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Insights were gained on various aspects of the intervention, including: feasibility of using an app to set and monitor weight loss goals; the social support process; barriers to engagement; and suggested improvements for a future trial. Key findings indicated that participants and helpers engaged with the concept of the intervention but their participation was hindered to some extent by technical problems. Helpers often provided social support without using the app, e.g. face-to-face or by text. Findings supported several aspects of the intervention theory including: helpers providing instrumental, emotional and informational social support; increased knowledge and skills, sometimes via support from helpers e.g. cooking skills; increased action planning and problem solving via effective goal-setting; and increased motivation either via successful self-monitoring or goal accomplishment. Participant/helper insight provided several suggestions to enhance the intervention, including, providing a community of peer support. Conclusion: Participants were enthusiastic about having helpers to support them as well as using an app/website for lifestyle behaviour change. The technology needs to be free of technical issues to avoid unnecessary barriers to engagement. An effective weight loss intervention delivered via smartphone app/website has the potential for population-wide impact. Findings will be used to help inform a future full trial.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Matthews, Dr Lynsay and Moore, Professor Laurence and Pugmire, Dr Juliana and Simpson, Professor Sharon
Authors: Matthews, L., Pugmire, J., Simpson, S., and Moore, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
727661Complexity in Health ImprovementLaurence MooreMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12017/14HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
620221MRC SPHSU/GU Transfer FellowshipsLaurence MooreMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_PC_13027IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU
727661Complexity in Health ImprovementLaurence MooreOffice of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)SPHSU14HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit