Conversational agent for healthy lifestyle behaviour change: an online feasibility study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorainne Tudor Car ◽  
Dhakshenya Ardhithy Dhinagaran ◽  
Sathish Thirunavukkarasu ◽  
AiJia Soong ◽  
Yin-Leng Theng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Conversational Agent ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Target Sample

BACKGROUND The rising incidence of chronic diseases is a growing concern, especially in Singapore with amongst the highest prevalence of diabetes in developed countries. Interventions promoting healthy lifestyle changes have been proven effective in reducing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes, but their in-person delivery may not be feasible at a large scale. Novel technologies such as conversational agents are a potential alternative for delivery of behavioural interventions towards healthy lifestyle change for the public. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using a conversational agent promoting healthy lifestyle changes in the general population in Singapore. METHODS We performed an online, single-arm feasibility study. Participants were recruited via Facebook over four weeks. The Facebook Messenger conversational agent was used to deliver the intervention. The conversations focused on diet, exercise, sleep and stress and aimed to promote healthy lifestyle changes and improve participants’ knowledge of diabetes. Messages were sent to participants four times a week (once for each of the four topics of focus) for four weeks. We assessed feasibility of recruitment, defined as at least 75% of our target sample of 200 participants in four weeks, as well as retention, defined as 33% of the recruited sample completing the study. We also assessed participants’ satisfaction with and usability of the conversational agent. We also performed baseline and follow-up assessments of quality of life (QoL), diabetes knowledge and risk perception, diet, exercise, sleep and stress. RESULTS We recruited 37.5% (75/200) of the target sample size in one month. Of the eligible participants, 60 provided digital informed consent and completed baseline assessments whilst 56 followed the study through till completion. Retention was high, at 93% (56/60), along with engagement, denoted by 50% of participants communicating with the conversational agent at each interaction. Acceptability, usability, and satisfaction were generally high. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention showed no definitive improvements in health-related behaviour. CONCLUSIONS The delivery of a conversational agent for healthy lifestyle behaviour change via Facebook manager was feasible and acceptable. We were unable to recruit our planned sample solely using free options in Facebook. However, participant retention and conversational agent engagement rates were high. Our findings provide important insights to inform the design of a future randomised controlled trial.

scholarly journals Conversational agent for healthy lifestyle behaviour change: an online feasibility study (Preprint)

10.2196/27956 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhakshenya Ardhithy Dhinagaran ◽  
Thirunavukkarasu Sathish ◽  
AiJia Soong ◽  
Yin-Leng Theng ◽  
James Donovan Best ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Conversational Agent ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour

Public perceptions of diabetes, healthy living and conversational agents in Singapore: A needs assessment (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorainne Tudor Car ◽  
Dhakshenya Ardhithy Dhinagaran ◽  
Sathish Thirunavukkarasu ◽  
Tobias Kowatsch ◽  
Konstadina Griva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Conversational Agent ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Digital Interventions

BACKGROUND The incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes is on the rise in countries worldwide, including Singapore. Health professional-delivered healthy lifestyle interventions have been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes. Yet ongoing personalised guidance from health professionals is not feasible or affordable at the population level. Novel digital interventions delivered using mobile technology such as conversational agents are a potential alternative for delivery of healthy lifestyle change behavioural interventions to the public. OBJECTIVE We explored Singaporeans’ perceptions on and experience of healthy living, diabetes and mobile health interventions (apps and conversational agents). This survey was done to help inform the design and development of a conversational agent focusing on healthy lifestyle change. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted over Aug and Sept 2019. 20 participants were recruited from relevant healthy living Facebook pages and groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or over the telephone using an interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed in parallel by two researchers using Burnard’s method, a structured approach for thematic content analysis. RESULTS The collected data was organised into four main themes: (1) use of conversational agents, (2) ubiquity of smartphone applications, (3) understanding of diabetes and (4) barriers and facilitators to a healthy living in Singapore. Most participants used health-related mobile applications as well as conversational agents unrelated to healthcare. They provided diverse suggestions for future conversational agent-delivered interventions. Participants also highlighted several knowledge gaps in relation to diabetes and healthy living. In terms of barriers to healthy living, frequent dining out, high stress levels, lack of work-life balance and dearth of free time to engage in physical activity were mentioned. In contrast, discipline, pre-planning and sticking to a routine were important for enabling a healthy lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS Participants in our study commonly used mobile health interventions and provided important insights into their knowledge gaps and needs in relation to healthy lifestyle behaviour change. Future digital interventions like conversational agents focusing on healthy lifestyle and diabetes prevention should aim to address the barriers highlighted in our study and motivate individuals to adopt habits for healthy living.

Designing digital health technology to support patients before and after bariatric surgery: a qualitative study exploring patient desires, suggestions and reflections to support lifestyle behaviour change. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Robinson ◽  
Andy Husband ◽  
Robert Slight ◽  
Sarah Slight
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Surgical Success ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Surgical Pathway

BACKGROUND A patient’s capability, motivation, and opportunity to change their lifestyle are significant determinants of successful outcomes following bariatric surgery. Healthier lifestyle changes before and after surgery, including improved dietary intake and physical activity levels, have been shown to contribute to greater post-surgical weight loss and improved long-term health. Integrating patient-centered digital technologies within the bariatric surgical pathway could form part of an innovative strategy to promote and sustain healthier behaviours and provide holistic patient support, to improve surgical success. Research has focused on implementing digital technologies and measuring their effectiveness in various surgical cohorts, yet there is limited work concerning the desires, suggestions and reflections of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This qualitative investigation explores patient perspectives on technology features that would support them to change their lifestyle behaviours during the pre- and post-operative periods, to potentially maintain long-term healthy lifestyles following surgery. OBJECTIVE To understand how digital technologies could be used to better support patients across the perioperative pathway to improve weight-loss outcomes and surgical success. Specifically, the objectives concerned: 1) what do patients want from digital technologies, 2) how do they want to use them, and 3) when would they be of most benefit during their surgical journey? METHODS Patients attending bariatric surgery clinics within one hospital in the North of England were invited to take part. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled pre- and post-operative bariatric surgical patients to discuss lifestyle behaviour change and the use of digital technologies to complement their care. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis enabled the development of themes from the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the NHS Health Research Authority. RESULTS Twenty patients were interviewed. Four overarching themes were developed from the data relating to perspectives of optimised technology functionality. These centered on providing tailored content and support; facilitating self-monitoring and goal-setting; delivering information in an accessible, trusted, and usable manner; and meeting patient information-seeking and engagement needs. Interventions that supported the delivery of personalized feedback and post-operative follow-up were perceived as beneficial. Individualized goal- and target-setting could further support a generation of digitally engaged patients with bariatric conditions. Working towards achievable targets was deemed an effective strategy to successfully motivate behaviour change. The creation of digital ‘package of care’ checklists between patients and clinicians was a novel finding from this research. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of patients undergoing bariatric surgery validated the integration of digital technologies within the surgical pathway, offering enhanced connectedness and support. Recommendations are made that relate to the design, content and functionality of digital interventions to best address the needs of this patient cohort. These findings have the potential to influence future co-design and integration of person-centered, perioperative technologies within surgical pathways. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Behaviour change opportunities at mother and baby checks in primary care: a qualitative investigation of the experiences of GPs

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (669) ◽  
pp. e252-e259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Talbot ◽  
Emily Strong ◽  
Sarah Peters ◽  
Debbie M Smith
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health Related Behaviour ◽  
Potential Opportunity

BackgroundPregnancy is widely recognised as a ‘teachable moment’ for healthy behaviour change and the postnatal period has been identified as the opportune time to initiate this change. In the UK, all women are offered a routine health check at 6–8 weeks postpartum with their GP. This provides a potential opportunity to facilitate long-term behaviour change discussions.AimTo explore GPs’ views and experiences of using the postnatal check as a health-related behaviour change opportunity.Design and settingA qualitative, inductive study in general practice.MethodSemi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 18 GPs. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsOne theme emerged from the data: the postnatal check is an unrealised opportunity to facilitate health-related behaviour change. This theme was organised into three subthemes: opportunity for health-related behaviour change; role responsibility; and patient-led versus GP-led behaviour change.ConclusionAlthough GPs recognise the postnatal check as a potential opportunity for health-related behaviour change, it is underutilised as they do not perceive this to be the purpose of the check and are uncertain as to their role in facilitating lifestyle changes. To enable this long-term lifestyle behaviour change opportunity to be utilised more fully, further research is needed to understand women’s expectations of the postnatal checks and the scope for further recommendations, guidance, and communication training around behaviour change.

Development of information and educational environment that promotes spread of sustainable lifestyle changes through adherence to principles of healthy nutrition

2021 ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
L. M. Simkalova ◽  
E. A. Bokova ◽  
G. E. Ivanov ◽  
A. A. Gavrilin
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
The Public ◽  
Healthy Nutrition ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Structure Lead

Healthy nutrition is the most important component of the quality of life of the population. Disorders of the nutritional structure lead to the development of alimentary-dependent diseases, including cardiovascular, oncological, diabetes mellitus, obesity, osteoporosis, etc., that are the main causes of premature mortality of the population of economically developed countries, including Russia. This is due, among other things, to the low level of knowledge of the population about the principles of healthy nutrition. In order to eliminate the existing gap in the competence of the population on healthy nutrition, the Centre for Hygienic education of the population of the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, Moscow, as a part of the implementation of the federal project ‘Formation of a system of motivation of citizens to a healthy lifestyle, including healthy nutrition and rejection of bad habits' (‘Strengthening the Public Health'), which is a part of the national project ‘Demography', conducts systematic activities aimed at creating and maintaining an information and educational environment.

scholarly journals Behaviour change practices in exercise referral schemes: developing realist programme theory of implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Downey ◽  
Katie Shearn ◽  
Nicola Brown ◽  
Ross Wadey ◽  
Jeff Breckon
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Implementation Framework ◽  
Exercise Referral

Abstract Background Exercise Referral Schemes have been delivered worldwide in developed countries to augment physical activity levels in sedentary patients with a range of health issues, despite their utility being questioned. Understanding the implementation mechanisms of behaviour change practices is important to avoid inappropriate decommissioning and support future service planning. The aim of this study was to develop initial theories to understand what influences the behaviour change practices of Exercise Referral practitioners within the United Kingdom. Methods An eight-month focused ethnography was undertaken, to carry out the first phase of a realist evaluation, which included participant observation, interviews, document analysis, and reflexive journaling. A comprehensive implementation framework (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) was adopted providing an extensive menu of determinants. Mechanisms were categorised based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (within the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour model) providing an explanatory tool linking the levels of the framework. Results Three programme theories are proposed. Firstly, motivation and capability are influenced when behaviour change oriented planning and training are in place. Secondly, motivation is influenced if leadership is supportive of behaviour change practice. Lastly, integration between health professionals and practitioners will influence motivation and capability. The conditions necessary to influence motivation and capability include a person-centred climate, cognizant practitioners, and established communities of practice. Conclusions The findings are the first to articulate the necessary elements for the implementation of behaviour change practices in Exercise Referral services. These results outline emerging theories about the conditions, resources, and explanations of behaviour change implementation that can inform service development.

scholarly journals Lifestyle, psychological stress, and incidence of adolescent constipation: results from the Toyama birth cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaaki Yamada ◽  
Michikazu Sekine ◽  
Takashi Tatsuse ◽  
Yuko Fujimura
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Bowel Movement Frequency ◽  
Skipping Breakfast

Abstract Background We aimed to clarify the predisposing factors for adolescent constipation in a longitudinal study, because while factors associated with childhood constipation have been reported, prospective studies on the incidence of constipation are lacking. Methods We enrolled 5540 adolescents aged 12 to 13 years from the Toyama Birth Cohort Study—a community-based prospective study examining children’s health. The incidence of constipation, defined as bowel movement frequency of less than once every 2 days, was surveyed during the three-year period from baseline (grade 4) to follow-up (grade 7). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association between the incidence of adolescent constipation and their lifestyle variables. Results A total of 261 adolescents (4.7%) developed constipation during the three-year period. Female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.62,) overweight (OR = 0.60), and infrequent intake of fruits (OR = 1.50) at baseline were associated with the incidence of constipation. Furthermore, factors related to lifestyle changes and psychological status such as skipping breakfast (OR = 1.73), becoming physically inactive (OR = 1.55), and being persistently irritated (OR = 1.80) were significantly associated with the incidence of constipation. Conclusion Our prospective study demonstrated that female sex, insufficient fruit intake, and deteriorating lifestyles such as skipping breakfast and becoming inactive during the 3-year period were associated with the incidence of adolescent constipation. Beyond anecdotal, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is recommended to reduce the incidence of adolescent constipation.

A Powerful Antidote to Physician Burnout: Intensive Healthy Lifestyle and Positive Psychology Approaches

2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110066
Author(s):  
Liana Lianov
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Meaningful Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Interventions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Physician Burnout ◽  
Lifestyle Medicine ◽  
Persistent Symptoms

Burnout rates among physicians are rapidly rising. Leaders in the movement to address burnout have made the case that health care workplaces need to foster a culture of well-being, including trusting coworker interactions, collaborative and transparent leadership, work-life balance, flexibility, opportunities for meaningful work and for professional development, and effective 2-way communication. The rationale for focusing on organizational change to prevent burnout has pointed to persistent symptoms of burnout even when individual healthy lifestyle interventions are adopted. However, a case can be made that the lifestyle interventions were not implemented at the level of intensity recommended by the lifestyle medicine evidence-base to secure the desired improvement in physical and mental health when facing significant personal and environmental stressors. The lifestyle medicine community has the ethical mandate to advocate for intensive healthy lifestyle approaches to burnout prevention, in conjunction with organizational supports. By combining comprehensive and intensive lifestyle changes with organizational cultures of well-being, we can more effectively turn the tide of physician burnout.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document