Behavior change techniques in mobile apps targeting self-harm in young people: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Panagiotopoulou ◽  
Celeste Peiris ◽  
Daniel Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Self Harm

Abstract Despite the high prevalence of self-harm among young people, as well as their extensive use of mobile apps for seeking support with their mental healthcare, it is unclear whether the design of mobile apps aimed at targeting self-harm is underpinned by behavior change techniques (BCTs). To systematically analyze and identify (a) what BCTs and (b) what theories are present in self-harm apps for young people in an attempt to understand their active components. Systematic searches in Apple store, followed by thorough screening, were conducted to identify free mobile apps targeting self-harm in young people. Five apps met the inclusion criteria and were used by trained researchers, who coded identified features against the BCT Taxonomy V1. Despite the majority of apps being underpinned by principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), no other information is available about specific theories underpinning these apps. Nineteen of the 93 BCTs were identified across the five apps. The most frequently used BCT was “Distraction” (54.2%), offering ideas for activities to distract users from self-harming. Other techniques that were used often were “Social Support (unspecified)” (27.0%) and “Behavior Substitution” (10.6%). This study provides the first analysis of BCTs present in mental health apps which are designed to target the reduction of self-harm in young people. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the apps, as well as assess the effectiveness of the BCTs present.

mHealth as Tools for Development in Mental Health

2021 ◽  
pp. 193-215
Author(s):  
Gloria Ejehiohen Iyawa ◽  
Julie Langan-Martin ◽  
Stephen Sevalie ◽  
Wanano Masikara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Medical Practitioner ◽  
Healthcare Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Study Approach

This chapter provides an assessment of studies on mobile health (mHealth) tools for development in addressing diseases relating to mental health, informs the current publications trends, identifies research gaps in the existing literature, and suggests a future research agenda that can help address these gaps. We, therefore, assessed empirical studies using a Systematic Mapping Study approach. We searched five academic databases as well as Google Search Engine and Google Scholar. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 54 full-text papers were included in this chapter. The findings suggest a growing trend in the use of various mHealth tools for mental health, such as mobile apps and text messaging. The findings also suggest that the responsibility of health monitoring and management can be shared between the medical practitioner and the patient in mental healthcare. Research gaps were identified and areas for future research are proposed.

Harmful or helpful? The role of the internet in self-harming and suicidal behaviour in young people

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Bell
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Harm

Purpose – The internet plays an important role in the lives of self-harming and suicidal young people yet little is known about how internet use influences this behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence base with a view to determining directions for future research and practice. Design/methodology/approach – Literature relating to self-harming and suicidal behaviour, young people, and the internet is reviewed with a focus on content and methodology. Findings – The internet provides access to: “how-to” descriptions of suicide; unregulated/illegal online pharmacies; forums to spread this information; access to others seeking to end their own lives. Such sites are believed to elevate risk amongst vulnerable individuals. Conversely, the internet provides access to intervention and prevention activity, online support groups, advice, and personal chat. These can be a key resource in helping young people. There is a lack of consensus on what constitutes harmful and helpful online exchange, often evidenced in disparity between the perceptions of professionals and users. Research limitations/implications – Research is needed to map out a more accurate picture of suicide and self-harm resources on the internet and to establish a consensus about what constitutes harmful and helpful exchange. This needs to be based on: a comprehensive and informed range of search terms; a clear distinction between types of resource; a clear and consistent rationale for distinguishing and categorizing sites; a systematic replicable methodology for plotting the scope, content, accessibility, and popularity of web resources at a given point in time; the views of young people who use these sites, as well as practitioners and professionals. Practical implications – Practitioners need to: regularly assess the quantity, quality, and nature of self-harm/suicide focused internet use amongst service users; be aware of which sites are most appropriate for particular individuals; promote sites directed at young people that enhance effective coping. Professional mental health organizations need to find ways of ensuring that: they are consistently well represented amongst search results online; sites are readily accessible; more practitioners are trained in text-based communications. Originality/value – This paper offers a framework and rationale for future research and for those involved in service provision, policy, and practice.

scholarly journals Behavior Change Techniques in Top-Ranked Mobile Apps for Physical Activity

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 649-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Conroy ◽  
Chih-Hsiang Yang ◽  
Jaclyn P. Maher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship between pain and self-harm thoughts and behaviours in young people using network analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Verena Hinze ◽  
Tamsin Ford ◽  
Robin Evans ◽  
Bergljot Gjelsvik ◽  
Catherine Crane
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Young People ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Family Dysfunction ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Self-harm thoughts and behaviours (SHTBs) are a serious public health concern in young people. Emerging research suggests that pain may be an important correlate of SHTBs in young people. However, it remains unclear whether this association is driven by the shared association with other correlates of SHTBs. This study used network analysis to delineate the relationship between SHTBs, pain and other correlates of SHTBs in a population-based sample of young people. Methods We performed secondary analyses, using data from 7977 young people aged 5–16 years who participated in the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Survey in 2004. We used χ2 tests and network analysis to examine the complex interplay between SHTBs, pain and other correlates of SHTBs, including psychiatric disorders, childhood trauma, stressful life events, parental distress, family dysfunction, peer problems and inhibitory control deficits. Results Pain was associated with a doubled risk of SHTBs, and likewise, SHTBs were associated with a doubled risk of pain. Furthermore, network analysis showed that although pain was significantly associated with all measured correlates of SHTBs, except family dysfunction, pain was most strongly associated with SHTBs, after accounting for these measured correlates. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilise network analysis to provide novel insights into the complex relationship between SHTBs, pain and other known correlates of SHTBs in young people. Results suggest that pain is an independent correlate of SHTBs. Future research should aim to identify underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Baby Buddy App for Breastfeeding and Behavior Change: Retrospective Study of the App Using the Behavior Change Wheel (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loretta M Musgrave ◽  
Alison Baum ◽  
Nilushka Perera ◽  
Caroline SE Homer ◽  
Adrienne Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Behavior Change Wheel ◽  
The Uk

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding plays a major role in the health of mothers and babies and has the potential to positively shape an individual’s life both in the short and long term. In the United Kingdom (UK), although 81% of women initiate breastfeeding, only 1% of women breastfeed exclusively to 6 months as recommended by the World Health Organization. In the UK, women who are socially disadvantaged and younger are less likely to breastfeed at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. One strategy that aims to improve these statistics is the Baby Buddy app, which has been designed and implemented by the UK charity Best Beginnings to be a universal intervention to help reduce health inequalities, including those in breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to retrospectively examine the development of Baby Buddy by applying the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework to understand how it might increase breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge, and confidence. METHODS Retrospective application of the BCW was completed after the app was developed and embedded into maternity services. A three-stage process evaluation used triangulation methods and formalized tools to gain an understanding of the potential mechanisms and behaviors used in apps that are needed to improve breastfeeding rates in the UK. First, we generated a behavioral analysis by mapping breastfeeding barriers and enablers onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) system using documents provided by Best Beginnings. Second, we identified the intervention functions and policy categories used. Third, we linked these with the behavior change techniques identified in the app breastfeeding content using the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy (BCTTv1). RESULTS Baby Buddy is a well-designed platform that could be used to change breastfeeding behaviors. Findings from stage one showed that Best Beginnings had defined breastfeeding as a key behavior requiring support and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the context in which breastfeeding occurs, the barriers and enablers of breastfeeding, and the target actions needed to support breastfeeding. In stage two, Best Beginnings had used intervention and policy functions to address the barriers and enablers of breastfeeding. In stage three, Baby Buddy had been assessed for acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, safety, and equity. Several behavior change techniques that could assist women with decision making around breastfeeding (eg, information about health consequences and credible sources) and possibly affect attitudes and self-efficacy were identified. Of the 39 videos in the app, 19 (49%) addressed physical capabilities related to breastfeeding and demonstrated positive breastfeeding behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Applying a theoretical framework retrospectively to a mobile app is possible and results in useful information to understand potential health benefits and to inform future development. Future research should assess which components and behavioral techniques in the app are most effective in changing behavior and supporting breastfeeding.

scholarly journals How to reduce self-harm in young people – Professor David Cottrell

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Self Harm

Professor David Cottrell at the launch of the JCPP Special issue 2019 - Suicide and self-harm. David looks at 'How to reduce self-harm in young people - Challenges for future research'

scholarly journals Known Knowns and Known Unknowns on Behavior Change Interventions and Mechanisms of Action

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S Hagger ◽  
Susette Moyers ◽  
Kaylyn McAnally ◽  
Lauren Mckinley
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Intervention Research ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Known Unknowns

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses play an important role in summarizing current research on the efficacy of behavior change interventions and their mechanisms of action. The reviews in this special issue represent a ‘step change’ in evaluating current evidence on behavior change interventions and mechanisms. This article outlines the findings and emerging issues identified in the reviews (‘known knowns’), and summarizes evidence gaps to be addressed in future research (‘known unknowns’). Findings indicate that tests of mechanisms of behavior change interventions are not routinely conducted in primary studies and research syntheses; reviews and studies do not sufficiently account for study quality; substantive variability exists in descriptions of intervention content and putative mediators implicated in their mechanisms of action; limited data is available on the efficacy of many behavior change techniques; and moderators of intervention effects and mechanisms are seldom taken into account. Possible solutions include testing effects of isolated behavior change techniques and mechanisms of action; routine evaluation of study quality in behavioral intervention research; development of an evidence base linking behavior change techniques with theory-based constructs that comprise mechanisms of action; adoption of fit-for-purpose methods for synthesizing behavioral intervention mechanisms of action; and routine testing of moderators in intervention research.

Preliminary assessment of content, behavior change techniques, and quality of pregnancy apps in Spain: Systematic search on app stores (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aranzazu Muñoz-Mancisidor ◽  
Ruben Martin-Payo ◽  
Xana Gonzalez-Mendez ◽  
María Del Mar Fernández-Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Content Quality ◽  
Objective Quality ◽  
Behavior Strategies

BACKGROUND Women consult information in mobile apps (apps) during pregnancy, and even obstetrics specialists highlight that pregnancy is the ideal moment for the use of apps as consultation sources. However, the high number of apps designed for pregnancy requires a careful assessment to determine their suitability before recommendation. OBJECTIVE To identify the apps available in Spanish that can be recommended based on their content, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and quality as a complementary tool during pregnancy. METHODS A systematic search on app stores to identify apps was performed in the Apple App Store and Google Play, and the subject term pregnancy. The apps meeting the following criteria were chosen: i. pregnancy-related content; ii. free; iii. available in Spanish. They were excluded if: i. the app was classified as game/entertainment, and therefore had no educational or health aim; iii. they did not target the population under study. The selected apps were downloaded, and their quality was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), the BCTs included using the taxonomy Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy v.1 and its content. RESULTS A total of 457 apps were identified, 25 of which were downloaded for assessment (5.6%). The median for objective and subjective quality was 2.94 (IR=2,71-3.46) and 1.75 (IR=1.25-2.25) respectively. Regarding content, the median of topics included in the apps was 23 (IR=16050-23.50) being weight gain, nutrition, fetal development and physical activity the most common. The median number of BCTs was 12 (RI=0.50-3.50). Statistically significant correlations were observed between objective quality and content (0.634), subjective quality and content (0.641), objective quality and BCTs (0.672), subjective quality and BCT (0.623), and BCTs and content (0.563). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that only a small percentage of free pregnancy apps available in Spanish should be recommended. The apps with the best quality score were those where a higher number of topics were addressed and included a larger quantity of BCT. While apps can potentially influence pregnant women’s behavior and contribute to pregnancy, a previous assessment of their content, quality, and behavior strategies is necessary in order to determine which apps could potentially be beneficial, and therefore, can be recommended.

Abstract 13773: Applied Behavior Change Techniques in Self-care Interventions for Patients With a Chronic Condition

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Riegel ◽  
Heleen Westland ◽  
Paolo Iovino ◽  
Ingrid Barelds ◽  
Joyce Bruins Slot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Intervention Trials ◽  
Behavior Change Technique

Introduction: Self-care requires behavior change in patients and healthcare providers play a pivotal role in supporting those changes. Examination of the behavior change techniques used by providers in self-care interventions can provide insights into how self-care behavior is enhanced in patients with a chronic condition. Objective: To quantify the behavior change techniques used to enhance healthy behavior in self-care interventions for patients with a chronic condition. Methods: Studies from a scoping review (n=233) were reviewed to identify behavior change techniques used in studies testing self-care interventions in adults with nine chronic conditions, most of which were CVDs. All studies were published between January 2008 and January 2019. Nine techniques from the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy V1 (with 93 consensually agreed, distinct techniques) were selected for review because they are commonly used by a broad range of disciplines and have previously been shown to influence behavior change. Results: The 233 studies represent 59,950 patients, mean age 59.5 (±8.3) years, 44% female. Study sample sizes ranged from 24 to 2,445 patients. Most studies focused on DM2 (n=85; 36%), HTN (n=32; 14%) or HF (n=27; 12%). Most interventions targeted only patients (n=207; 89%). Goal setting (n=113; 48%) and problem solving (n=92; 40%) were the behavior change techniques used predominantly. Action planning, feedback and review of behavioral goals were used in 46-60 (20%-26%) studies and most commonly in patients with DM2 or CAD and rarely in patients with HTN or HF. Information about health consequences was used in 46 (20%) studies. Social support (n=17; 7%) and reminders (n=13; 6%) were rarely used. Conclusions: Few behavior change techniques were specified in the published self-care intervention trials. In future research, behavior change techniques and the associated mechanisms of actions need to be specified to support self-care intervention research.

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