scholarly journals Time to listen: a mixed-method study examining community-based views of mobile technology for interventions to promote physical activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. e100140
Author(s):  
Sophie E Claudel ◽  
Joniqua N Ceasar ◽  
Marcus R Andrews ◽  
Sherine El-Toukhy ◽  
Nicole Farmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Mhealth Technology

IntroductionA mixed-method, co-design approach to studying the adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technology among African-American (AA) women has not been fully explored. Qualitative data may contextualise existing knowledge surrounding perceptions of mHealth among AA women as part of formative work for designing a physical activity application (app).MethodsA convenience sample of 16 AA women completed an informatics survey prior to participating in focus groups exploring their use of mobile technology and health apps. Survey responses provided frequency data, while iterative transcript analysis of focus groups identified themes.ResultsThe majority of participants (mean age=62.1 years, SD=6.6) felt comfortable using a tablet/smartphone (75.0%). Most (68.8%) reported using health-related apps, primarily focused on physical activity and nutrition. Focus groups revealed four overarching concepts, including (1) user attachment, (2) technology adoption, (3) potential facilitators and (4) potential barriers. Important features which may serve as facilitators or barriers to future adoption of a mobile app for an mHealth intervention include individual app tailoring and software concerns, respectively.DiscussionThematic analysis revealed high user attachment to smartphones and described participants’ process for adopting new mHealth technology.ConclusionEarly engagement of target end users as a part of a broader co-design and community-based participatory research process for developing mHealth technologies may be useful for sustained adoption of these tools in future mHealth behavioural interventions.

scholarly journals Community Engagement in the Development of an mHealth-Enabled Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Intervention (Step It Up): Pilot Focus Group Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joniqua Nashae Ceasar ◽  
Sophie Elizabeth Claudel ◽  
Marcus R Andrews ◽  
Kosuke Tamura ◽  
Valerie Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
American Women

BACKGROUND Community-based participatory research is an effective tool for improving health outcomes in minority communities. Few community-based participatory research studies have evaluated methods of optimizing smartphone apps for health technology-enabled interventions in African Americans. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to utilize focus groups (FGs) for gathering qualitative data to inform the development of an app that promotes physical activity (PA) among African American women in Washington, DC. METHODS We recruited a convenience sample of African American women (N=16, age range 51-74 years) from regions of Washington, DC metropolitan area with the highest burden of cardiovascular disease. Participants used an app created by the research team, which provided motivational messages through app push notifications and educational content to promote PA. Subsequently, participants engaged in semistructured FG interviews led by moderators who asked open-ended questions about participants’ experiences of using the app. FGs were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim, with subsequent behavioral theory-driven thematic analysis. Key themes based on the Health Belief Model and emerging themes were identified from the transcripts. Three independent reviewers iteratively coded the transcripts until consensus was reached. Then, the final codebook was approved by a qualitative research expert. RESULTS In this study, 10 main themes emerged. Participants emphasized the need to improve the app by optimizing automation, increasing relatability (eg, photos that reflect target demographic), increasing educational material (eg, health information), and connecting with community resources (eg, cooking classes and exercise groups). CONCLUSIONS Involving target users in the development of a culturally sensitive PA app is an essential step for creating an app that has a higher likelihood of acceptance and use in a technology-enabled intervention. This may decrease health disparities in cardiovascular diseases by more effectively increasing PA in a minority population.

scholarly journals Use of Community Based Participatory Research to Design Interventions for Healthy Lifestyle in an Alternative Learning Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110147
Author(s):  
Valeria Cristiani ◽  
Ashok Kumbamu ◽  
Gladys B. Asiedu ◽  
Shirley K. Johnson ◽  
Janna Rae Gewirtz O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Community School ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Alternative Learning ◽  
Alternative Learning Environment

Introduction/Objectives Childhood obesity develops as the result of the interplay between individual and environmental factors. Community based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective tool for improving health of communities. There is limited research on CBPR for facilitating healthy lifestyle in community schools with an alternative learning environment. The objective of the study was to explore student and staff perspectives via focus groups on barriers and facilitators for healthy eating and physical activity in a community school with alternative learning environment and to prioritize, design, and implement suggested interventions to improve healthy lifestyle. Methods We conducted qualitative research through 8 focus groups of middle and high school students (n = 40) and 2 focus groups of school staff (n = 8). The school community and research team subsequently identified and implemented interventions for facilitating healthy lifestyle in students within the school environment. Results Barriers identified for healthy lifestyle included lack of motivation, lack of healthy food options at school, inadequate knowledge about healthy lifestyle and insufficient opportunities for physical activity. Facilitators for healthy lifestyle were support and motivation from mentors and knowledge about healthy nutrition. Key strategies implemented were addition of healthier food options, educational materials for healthy eating, creation of a walk path, standing desks in classrooms and additional equipment in the school gymnasium. Conclusions Formative feedback from students and staff was helpful in the implementation of strategies for facilitating healthy lifestyle among students within a community school with an alternative learning environment.

scholarly journals Community Engagement in the Development of an mHealth-Enabled Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Intervention (Step It Up): Pilot Focus Group Study

10.2196/10944 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e10944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joniqua Nashae Ceasar ◽  
Sophie Elizabeth Claudel ◽  
Marcus R Andrews ◽  
Kosuke Tamura ◽  
Valerie Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
American Women

Background Community-based participatory research is an effective tool for improving health outcomes in minority communities. Few community-based participatory research studies have evaluated methods of optimizing smartphone apps for health technology-enabled interventions in African Americans. Objective This study aimed to utilize focus groups (FGs) for gathering qualitative data to inform the development of an app that promotes physical activity (PA) among African American women in Washington, DC. Methods We recruited a convenience sample of African American women (N=16, age range 51-74 years) from regions of Washington, DC metropolitan area with the highest burden of cardiovascular disease. Participants used an app created by the research team, which provided motivational messages through app push notifications and educational content to promote PA. Subsequently, participants engaged in semistructured FG interviews led by moderators who asked open-ended questions about participants’ experiences of using the app. FGs were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim, with subsequent behavioral theory-driven thematic analysis. Key themes based on the Health Belief Model and emerging themes were identified from the transcripts. Three independent reviewers iteratively coded the transcripts until consensus was reached. Then, the final codebook was approved by a qualitative research expert. Results In this study, 10 main themes emerged. Participants emphasized the need to improve the app by optimizing automation, increasing relatability (eg, photos that reflect target demographic), increasing educational material (eg, health information), and connecting with community resources (eg, cooking classes and exercise groups). Conclusions Involving target users in the development of a culturally sensitive PA app is an essential step for creating an app that has a higher likelihood of acceptance and use in a technology-enabled intervention. This may decrease health disparities in cardiovascular diseases by more effectively increasing PA in a minority population.

Qualitative Focus Groups: Perceived Influences on Decision Making About Diet and Physical Activity Among Hispanic/Latino Participants

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 868-879
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R. Paré ◽  
Katherine Body ◽  
Sarah Gilstorf ◽  
Jennifer Lucarelli
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Latino Community ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Focus Groups ◽  
Food Equity ◽  
Activity Choices

Disparities in minority health are strongly associated with reduced access to culturally familiar food and physical activity opportunities. This qualitative study explores a Midwest, urban Hispanic/Latino community, the members’ experiences with their multidimensional environment and its influence on their nutrition and physical activity choices. Using the principles of community-based participatory research in collaboration with a trusted, local Hispanic/Latino community agency, we conducted five bilingual focus groups with a total of 46 self-selected participants (44 women and 2 men). We find that one’s perception of the environmental factors of access, convenience, affordability, and safety influence food and physical activity decision making. Findings can be used to inform interventions to enhance culturally appropriate outreach, increase food equity, and decrease health disparities.

scholarly journals Preventing cardiovascular disease: Participant perspectives of the FAITH! Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1710-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
LaPrincess C Brewer ◽  
Eleshia J Morrison ◽  
Joyce E Balls-Berry ◽  
Patrick Dean ◽  
Kandace Lackore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions

Striking cardiovascular health disparities exist among African-Americans in Minnesota compared to Whites; however, community-based interventions to address cardiovascular disease risk are lacking. This study explored participant perceptions of a culturally tailored, cardiovascular disease prevention program developed using a community-based participatory research process. Research participation perceptions, program benefits, and program satisfaction/acceptability were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Overall, acceptability was high. Findings highlight the favorable inclusion of African-Americans (research perception), knowledge gained about healthy lifestyle practices (benefits), and quality of the curriculum/speakers (satisfaction). Community-based participatory research may be useful in fostering the acceptability of behavior change interventions among marginalized African-American communities.

The Milwaukee Continuum: Older Veterans and Nonveterans Use Housing First to Exit Homelessness

2019 ◽  
pp. 002216781986652
Author(s):  
David A. Nelson ◽  
Jeff Morzinski ◽  
Mark Flower
Keyword(s):  
Healing Process ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Deep Time ◽  
Homeless Veterans ◽  
Process Understanding ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Background: Homelessness is about survival and more than an issue of bricks and mortar. It is not a static dimension and alludes to a troubled age and brokenness of society. Despite dramatic declines in numbers of people presently homeless, the issue continues to be a public health issue. The number of veterans currently homeless continues to be of national concern despite application of resources. More needs to be done to better understand the concerns of veterans, once homeless and now housed. Method: Qualitative research in the form of interviews provided insights from the veterans on their experience around achieving housing. Qualitative methods are often used in evaluations as they speak of the experience of the program being evaluated by capturing and then communicating the narratives of the participants. This study was grounded in community-based participatory research where a member of community was a part of all phases of the research process. Results: Seven interviews with formerly homeless veterans were conducted. Themes included the following: Burnt Brides and Regrets, Survival, Spirituality, Recovery and Stress, Supportive Care, Reunite Family, and Sickness and Health. Discussion: The themes provide insight into the experience of the veterans and a means to better understand the healing process. Understanding of the healing process includes the following: Acknowledging the Courage to go Deep, Time, Veterans Giving Back, and Recovery is Ongoing. Despite what was learned, further research is needed to better understand the long-term implications of people formerly homeless now housed.

scholarly journals Customization in mobile health apps: explaining effects on physical activity intentions by the need for autonomy

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761988807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Bol ◽  
Nina Margareta Høie ◽  
Minh Hao Nguyen ◽  
Eline Suzanne Smit
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

Given the widespread adoption and technical possibilities of mobile technology, mobile health apps could be potentially effective tools to intervene in people’s daily routines and stimulate physical activity. Self-determination theory and the motivational technology model both suggest that mobile technology can promote health behaviour change by allowing users to customize their online experience when using mobile health apps. However, we know very little about why and for whom customization is most effective. Using a between-subjects experimental design, we tested the effects of customization in mobile health apps among a convenience sample ( N = 203). We assessed the effects of customization on perceived active control over mobile health apps, autonomous motivation to use mobile health apps, and intention to engage in physical activity, and tested the moderating role of need for autonomy. Structural equation modelling showed that customization in mobile health apps does not increase perceived active control, autonomous motivation, or the intention to engage in physical activity. However, an interaction effect between customization and need for autonomy showed that customization in mobile health apps leads to higher intentions to engage in physical activity for those with a greater need for autonomy, but not for those with a lesser need for autonomy. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Formative Research to Develop the IDEFICS Physical Activity Intervention Component: Findings from Focus Groups with Children and Parents

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leen Haerens ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Gabriele Eiben ◽  
Fabio Lauria ◽  
Silvia Bel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Intervention Component ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Children And Parents

Background:The current study aimed at describing influencing factors for physical activity among young children to determine the best approaches for developing the IDEFICS community based intervention.Methods:In 8 European sites a trained moderator conducted a minimum of 4 focus groups using standardized questioning guides. A total of 56 focus groups were conducted including 36 focus groups with parents and 20 focus groups with children, of which 74 were boys and 81 girls. Key findings were identified through independent reviews of focus group summary reports using content analysis methods.Findings:Findings were generally consistent across countries. The greatest emphasis was on environmental physical (eg, seasonal influences, availability of facilities and safety), institutional (eg, length of breaks at school), and social factors (eg, role modeling of parents). Most cited personal factors by parents were age, social economical status, and perceived barriers. Both children and parents mentioned the importance of children’s preferences.Conclusions:To increase physical activity levels of young children the intervention should aim at creating an environment (physical, institutional, social) supportive of physical activity. On the other hand strategies should take into account personal factors like age and social economical status and should consider personal barriers too.

Community-Based Participatory Research

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Marie Barnett
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Partnership Approach

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) embraces a partnership approach to research that equitably involves community members, organizational representatives, social workers, and researchers in all aspects of the research process. CBPR begins with a research topic of importance to the community and has the aim of combining knowledge with action and achieving social change. It is community based in the sense that community members become part of the research team and researchers become engaged in the activities of the community. Community–researcher partnerships allow for a blending of values and expertise, promoting co-learning and capacity building among all partners, and integrating and achieving a balance between research and action for the mutual benefit of all partners. Various terms have been used to describe this research, including participatory action research (PAR), action research (AR), community based research (CBR), collaborative action research (CAR), anti-oppressive research, and feminist research.

Grounded in Culture: Reflections on Sitting Outside the Circle in Community-Based Research With Indigenous Men

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (14) ◽  
pp. 2343-2350
Author(s):  
Candice M. Waddell ◽  
Rachel V. Herron ◽  
Jason Gobeil ◽  
Frank Tacan ◽  
Margaret De Jager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Indigenous Research ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Research Paradigms ◽  
Reflexive Practice

Research continues to be a dirty word for many Indigenous people. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a means to disrupt power dynamics by engaging community members within the research process. However, the majority of relationships between researcher and participants within CBPR are structured within Western research paradigms and they often reproduce imbalances of power. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the process of CBPR within a research project focused on Indigenous men’s masculinity and mental health. In doing so, we aim to contribute to reflexive practice in CBPR and flatten research hierarchies to facilitate more equitable knowledge sharing. Our reflections highlight the importance of prioritizing healing, centering cultural protocols, negotiating language, and creating space for Indigenous research partners to lead. These critical lessons challenge Western researchers to ground their practices in Indigenous culture while they “sit outside the circle” to facilitate more equitable and engaged partnerships.

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