scholarly journals Using Text Messaging, Social Media, and Interviews to Understand What Pregnant Youth Think About Weight Gain During Pregnancy (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa DeJonckheere ◽  
Lauren P Nichols ◽  
VG Vinod Vydiswaran ◽  
Xinyan Zhao ◽  
Kevyn Collins-Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Weight Gain During Pregnancy

BACKGROUND The majority of pregnant youth gain more weight than recommended by the National Academy of Medicine guidelines. Excess weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of dangerous complications during delivery, including operative delivery and stillbirth, and contributes to the risk of long-term obesity in both mother and child. Little is known regarding youth’s perceptions of and knowledge about weight gain during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and acceptability of 3 novel data collection and analysis strategies for use with youth (social media posts, text message surveys, and semistructured interviews) to explore their experiences during pregnancy. The mixed-methods analysis included natural language processing and thematic analysis. METHODS To demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of this novel approach, we used descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis to characterize participation and engagement in the study. RESULTS Recruitment of 54 pregnant women aged between 16 and 24 years occurred from April 2016 to September 2016. All participants completed at least 1 phase of the study. Semistructured interviews had the highest rate of completion, yet all 3 strategies were feasible and acceptable to pregnant youth. CONCLUSIONS This study has described a novel youth-centered strategy of triangulating 3 sources of mixed-methods data to gain a deeper understanding of a health behavior phenomenon among an at-risk population of youth.

scholarly journals Using Text Messaging, Social Media, and Interviews to Understand What Pregnant Youth Think About Weight Gain During Pregnancy

10.2196/11397 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e11397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa DeJonckheere ◽  
Lauren P Nichols ◽  
VG Vinod Vydiswaran ◽  
Xinyan Zhao ◽  
Kevyn Collins-Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Weight Gain During Pregnancy

scholarly journals MyVoice National Text Message Survey of Youth Aged 14 to 24 Years: Study Protocol (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa DeJonckheere ◽  
Lauren P Nichols ◽  
Michelle H Moniz ◽  
Kendrin R Sonneville ◽  
VG Vinod Vydiswaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Policy Makers

BACKGROUND There has been little progress in adolescent health outcomes in recent decades. Researchers and youth-serving organizations struggle to accurately elicit youth voice and translate youth perspectives into health care policy. OBJECTIVE Our aim is to describe the protocol of the MyVoice Project, a longitudinal mixed methods study designed to engage youth, particularly those not typically included in research. Text messaging surveys are collected, analyzed, and disseminated in real time to leverage youth perspectives to impact policy. METHODS Youth aged 14 to 24 years are recruited to receive weekly text message surveys on a variety of policy and health topics. The research team, including academic researchers, methodologists, and youth, develop questions through an iterative writing and piloting process. Question topics are elicited from community organizations, researchers, and policy makers to inform salient policies. A youth-centered interactive platform has been developed that automatically sends confidential weekly surveys and incentives to participants. Parental consent is not required because the survey is of minimal risk to participants. Recruitment occurs online (eg, Facebook, Instagram, university health research website) and in person at community events. Weekly surveys collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data are quickly analyzed using natural language processing and traditional qualitative methods. Mixed methods integration and analysis supports a more in-depth understanding of the research questions. RESULTS We are currently recruiting and enrolling participants through in-person and online strategies. Question development, weekly data collection, data analysis, and dissemination are in progress. CONCLUSIONS MyVoice quickly ascertains the thoughts and opinions of youth in real time using a widespread, readily available technology—text messaging. Results are disseminated to researchers, policy makers, and youth-serving organizations through a variety of methods. Policy makers and organizations also share their priority areas with the research team to develop additional question sets to inform important policy decisions. Youth-serving organizations can use results to make decisions to promote youth well-being.

scholarly journals Young People’s Attitudes and Motivations Toward Social Media and Mobile Apps for Weight Control: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou ◽  
Zoey Tay ◽  
Jodie Leu ◽  
Salome Antonette Rebello ◽  
Lisa Te Morenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Focus Groups

BACKGROUND Effective prevention at a young enough age is critical to halt the obesity epidemic. Mobile health (mHealth) apps would potentially reach large numbers at low-cost. While there is already a profusion of lifestyle apps, they are mostly non-evidence-based and evidently ineffective against rising obesity prevalence. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore preferences and usage of lifestyle apps among young people in 6 countries. METHODS A mixed methods study was conducted among young people aged 13 to 24 years residing in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Singapore, and New Zealand. Participants were recruited from Web advertisements on Facebook, asking for volunteers interested in mobile apps in general, not specific to lifestyle or health, to complete a short survey comprising 18 questions on demographics, weight gain, and mobile app preferences and then to join English-language online focus groups, which were held during 2017, in password-protected Web rooms, moderated by an experienced researcher. Descriptive statistics were carried out for the survey, and thematic analysis was applied to transcripts. RESULTS A total of 2285 young people (610 adolescents aged 13-17 years and 1675 young adults aged 18-24 years) responded and completed the survey, with 72.0% (1645) reported being concerned about weight gain for themselves or friends. Later, 807 young people (376 adolescents and 431 young adults) were selected based on age and country to participate in 12 online focus groups, with 719 young people completing. Analysis revealed 4 main themes: (1) feelings toward personal weight; (2) perception of lifestyle apps and desired content for weight gain prevention; (3) social media apps, lifestyle apps, and motivation for downloading and retaining; and (4) data safety and data usage and confidentiality. Young people are interested in evidence-based advice in programs incorporating their preferences. CONCLUSIONS Young people are commonly, and consistently across 6 countries, concerned about weight gain and obesity and would welcome evidence-based mHealth programs, provided the views of young people themselves are incorporated in the program content.

scholarly journals Young People’s Attitudes and Motivations Toward Social Media and Mobile Apps for Weight Control: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/11205 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e11205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou ◽  
Zoey Tay ◽  
Jodie Leu ◽  
Salome Antonette Rebello ◽  
Lisa Te Morenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Focus Groups

Background Effective prevention at a young enough age is critical to halt the obesity epidemic. Mobile health (mHealth) apps would potentially reach large numbers at low-cost. While there is already a profusion of lifestyle apps, they are mostly non-evidence-based and evidently ineffective against rising obesity prevalence. Objective The aim of this study was to explore preferences and usage of lifestyle apps among young people in 6 countries. Methods A mixed methods study was conducted among young people aged 13 to 24 years residing in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Singapore, and New Zealand. Participants were recruited from Web advertisements on Facebook, asking for volunteers interested in mobile apps in general, not specific to lifestyle or health, to complete a short survey comprising 18 questions on demographics, weight gain, and mobile app preferences and then to join English-language online focus groups, which were held during 2017, in password-protected Web rooms, moderated by an experienced researcher. Descriptive statistics were carried out for the survey, and thematic analysis was applied to transcripts. Results A total of 2285 young people (610 adolescents aged 13-17 years and 1675 young adults aged 18-24 years) responded and completed the survey, with 72.0% (1645) reported being concerned about weight gain for themselves or friends. Later, 807 young people (376 adolescents and 431 young adults) were selected based on age and country to participate in 12 online focus groups, with 719 young people completing. Analysis revealed 4 main themes: (1) feelings toward personal weight; (2) perception of lifestyle apps and desired content for weight gain prevention; (3) social media apps, lifestyle apps, and motivation for downloading and retaining; and (4) data safety and data usage and confidentiality. Young people are interested in evidence-based advice in programs incorporating their preferences. Conclusions Young people are commonly, and consistently across 6 countries, concerned about weight gain and obesity and would welcome evidence-based mHealth programs, provided the views of young people themselves are incorporated in the program content.

scholarly journals Young People’s Attitudes and Motivations Toward Social Media and Mobile Apps for Weight Control: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou ◽  
Zoey Tay ◽  
Jodie Leu ◽  
Salome Antonette Rebello ◽  
Lisa Te Morenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Focus Groups

BACKGROUND <p>Effective prevention at a young enough age is critical to halt the obesity epidemic. Mobile health (mHealth) apps would potentially reach large numbers at low-cost. While there is already a profusion of lifestyle apps, they are mostly non-evidence-based and evidently ineffective against rising obesity prevalence.</p> OBJECTIVE <p>The aim of this study was to explore preferences and usage of lifestyle apps among young people in 6 countries.</p> METHODS <p>A mixed methods study was conducted among young people aged 13 to 24 years residing in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Singapore, and New Zealand. Participants were recruited from Web advertisements on Facebook, asking for volunteers interested in mobile apps in general, not specific to lifestyle or health, to complete a short survey comprising 18 questions on demographics, weight gain, and mobile app preferences and then to join English-language online focus groups, which were held during 2017, in password-protected Web rooms, moderated by an experienced researcher. Descriptive statistics were carried out for the survey, and thematic analysis was applied to transcripts.</p> RESULTS <p>A total of 2285 young people (610 adolescents aged 13-17 years and 1675 young adults aged 18-24 years) responded and completed the survey, with 72.0% (1645) reported being concerned about weight gain for themselves or friends. Later, 807 young people (376 adolescents and 431 young adults) were selected based on age and country to participate in 12 online focus groups, with 719 young people completing. Analysis revealed 4 main themes: (1) feelings toward personal weight; (2) perception of lifestyle apps and desired content for weight gain prevention; (3) social media apps, lifestyle apps, and motivation for downloading and retaining; and (4) data safety and data usage and confidentiality. Young people are interested in evidence-based advice in programs incorporating their preferences.</p> CONCLUSIONS <p>Young people are commonly, and consistently across 6 countries, concerned about weight gain and obesity and would welcome evidence-based mHealth programs, provided the views of young people themselves are incorporated in the program content.</p>

scholarly journals Secondary Impact of Social Media via Text Message Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Kuwait: Survey Study

JMIR Diabetes ◽  
10.2196/20532 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e20532
Author(s):  
Naeema Alqabandi ◽  
Ebaa Al-Ozairi ◽  
Adel Ahmed ◽  
Edgar L Ross ◽  
Robert N Jamison
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Diabetes Prevention ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Diabetes Prevention Program

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an international problem of alarming epidemic proportions. T2DM can develop due to multiple factors, and it usually begins with prediabetes. Fortunately, this disease can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. However, many health care systems fail to properly educate the public on disease prevention and to offer support in embracing behavioral interventions to prevent diabetes. SMS messaging has been combined with cost-effective ways to reach out to the population at risk for medical comorbidities. To our knowledge, the use of nationwide SMS messaging in the Middle East as a screening tool to identify individuals who might be at risk of developing T2DM has not been reported in the literature. Objective The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a series of SMS messaging campaigns directed at random smartphone users in Kuwait for the detection and prevention of T2DM. It was predicted that 1% of those receiving the text message would find it relevant and participate in the study. The secondary aim of this study was to assess the incidence of participation of those who were forwarded the initial text message by family members and friends. Methods In this study, 5 separate text message screening campaigns were launched inviting recipients to answer 6 questions to determine the risk of developing T2DM. If subjects agreed to participate, a link to the prediabetes screening test devised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was automatically transmitted to their mobile devices. Those identified as high risk were invited to participate in a diabetes prevention program. Results A total of 180,000 SMSs were sent to approximately 6% of the adult population in Kuwait. Of these, 0.14% (260/180,000) of the individuals who received the SMS agreed to participate, of whom 58.8% (153/260) completed the screening. Surprisingly, additional surveys were completed by 367 individuals who were invited via circulated SMS messages forwarded by family members and friends. Altogether, 23.3% (121/520) qualified and agreed to participate in a diabetes prevention program. The majority of those who chose to participate in the prevention program were overweight, aged 45-65 years, and reported being less physically active than those who chose not to participate (χ22=42.1, P<.001). Conclusions Although health care screening via text messaging was found to have limited effectiveness by itself, it exhibited increased reach through shared second-party social media messaging. Despite the fact a subpopulation at possible risk of developing T2DM could be reached via text messaging, most responders were informed about the screening campaign by family and friends. Future research should be designed to tap into the benefits of social media use in health risk campaigns.

scholarly journals Attitudes toward weight gain during pregnancy: Results from the Norwegian mother and child cohort study (MoBa)

2009 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 394-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Swann ◽  
Ann Von Holle ◽  
Leila Torgersen ◽  
Kelly Gendall ◽  
Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Weight Gain During Pregnancy

scholarly journals Listening to the buzz: Exploring the link between firm creation and regional innovative atmosphere as reflected by social media

2021 ◽  
pp. 0308518X2110566
Author(s):  
Carlo Corradini ◽  
Emma Folmer ◽  
Anna Rebmann
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Economic Geography ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Discursive Practices ◽  
Firm Creation ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Relational Economic Geography

This paper presents a novel approach to capture ‘buzz’, the vibrancy and knowledge exchange propensity of localised informal communication flows. Building on a conceptual framework based on relational economic geography, we argue the content of buzz may allow to probe into the character of places and investigate what is ‘in the air’ within regional entrepreneurial milieux. In particular, we analyse big data to listen for the presence of buzz about innovation – defined by discursive practices that reflect an innovative atmosphere – and explore how this may influence regional firm creation. Using information from 180 million geolocated Tweets comprising almost two billion words across NUTS3 regions in the UK for the year 2014, our results offer novel evidence, robust to different model specifications, that regions characterised by a relatively higher intensity of discussion and vibrancy around topics related to innovation may provide a more effective set of informal resources for sharing and recombination of ideas, defining regional capabilities to support and facilitate entrepreneurial processes. The findings contribute to the literature on the intangible dimensions in the geography of innovation and offer new insights on the potential of natural language processing for economic geography research.

scholarly journals Young People’s Attitudes and Motivations Toward Social Media and Mobile Apps for Weight Control: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou ◽  
Zoey Tay ◽  
Jodie Leu ◽  
Salome Antonette Rebello ◽  
Lisa Te Morenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Focus Groups

BACKGROUND <p>Effective prevention at a young enough age is critical to halt the obesity epidemic. Mobile health (mHealth) apps would potentially reach large numbers at low-cost. While there is already a profusion of lifestyle apps, they are mostly non-evidence-based and evidently ineffective against rising obesity prevalence.</p> OBJECTIVE <p>The aim of this study was to explore preferences and usage of lifestyle apps among young people in 6 countries.</p> METHODS <p>A mixed methods study was conducted among young people aged 13 to 24 years residing in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Singapore, and New Zealand. Participants were recruited from Web advertisements on Facebook, asking for volunteers interested in mobile apps in general, not specific to lifestyle or health, to complete a short survey comprising 18 questions on demographics, weight gain, and mobile app preferences and then to join English-language online focus groups, which were held during 2017, in password-protected Web rooms, moderated by an experienced researcher. Descriptive statistics were carried out for the survey, and thematic analysis was applied to transcripts.</p> RESULTS <p>A total of 2285 young people (610 adolescents aged 13-17 years and 1675 young adults aged 18-24 years) responded and completed the survey, with 72.0% (1645) reported being concerned about weight gain for themselves or friends. Later, 807 young people (376 adolescents and 431 young adults) were selected based on age and country to participate in 12 online focus groups, with 719 young people completing. Analysis revealed 4 main themes: (1) feelings toward personal weight; (2) perception of lifestyle apps and desired content for weight gain prevention; (3) social media apps, lifestyle apps, and motivation for downloading and retaining; and (4) data safety and data usage and confidentiality. Young people are interested in evidence-based advice in programs incorporating their preferences.</p> CONCLUSIONS <p>Young people are commonly, and consistently across 6 countries, concerned about weight gain and obesity and would welcome evidence-based mHealth programs, provided the views of young people themselves are incorporated in the program content.</p>

scholarly journals Secondary Impact of Social Media via Text Message Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Kuwait: Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeema Alqabandi ◽  
Ebaa Al-Ozairi ◽  
Adel Ahmed ◽  
Edgar L Ross ◽  
Robert N Jamison
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Diabetes Prevention ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Diabetes Prevention Program

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an international problem of alarming epidemic proportions. T2DM can develop due to multiple factors, and it usually begins with prediabetes. Fortunately, this disease can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. However, many health care systems fail to properly educate the public on disease prevention and to offer support in embracing behavioral interventions to prevent diabetes. SMS messaging has been combined with cost-effective ways to reach out to the population at risk for medical comorbidities. To our knowledge, the use of nationwide SMS messaging in the Middle East as a screening tool to identify individuals who might be at risk of developing T2DM has not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a series of SMS messaging campaigns directed at random smartphone users in Kuwait for the detection and prevention of T2DM. It was predicted that 1% of those receiving the text message would find it relevant and participate in the study. The secondary aim of this study was to assess the incidence of participation of those who were forwarded the initial text message by family members and friends. METHODS In this study, 5 separate text message screening campaigns were launched inviting recipients to answer 6 questions to determine the risk of developing T2DM. If subjects agreed to participate, a link to the prediabetes screening test devised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was automatically transmitted to their mobile devices. Those identified as high risk were invited to participate in a diabetes prevention program. RESULTS A total of 180,000 SMSs were sent to approximately 6% of the adult population in Kuwait. Of these, 0.14% (260/180,000) of the individuals who received the SMS agreed to participate, of whom 58.8% (153/260) completed the screening. Surprisingly, additional surveys were completed by 367 individuals who were invited via circulated SMS messages forwarded by family members and friends. Altogether, 23.3% (121/520) qualified and agreed to participate in a diabetes prevention program. The majority of those who chose to participate in the prevention program were overweight, aged 45-65 years, and reported being less physically active than those who chose not to participate (<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=42.1, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS Although health care screening via text messaging was found to have limited effectiveness by itself, it exhibited increased reach through shared second-party social media messaging. Despite the fact a subpopulation at possible risk of developing T2DM could be reached via text messaging, most responders were informed about the screening campaign by family and friends. Future research should be designed to tap into the benefits of social media use in health risk campaigns.

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