Development of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for adults with osteoarthritis-related pain and sleep disturbance: a focus group study with potential users

Objective: Suboptimal sleep and physical activity are common among people living with osteoarthritis (OA) and simultaneous improvements in both may have a beneficial impact on pain. This study aimed to gather perspectives of people living with OA on important aspects to incorporate in a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Design: Qualitative study using two rounds of two focus groups. Setting and participants: Focus groups were conducted with adults living with OA-related chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Eighteen people attended focus groups in January 2020 and, of these, 16 attended subsequent focus groups in February 2020. Methods: Discussion at the first round of focus groups informed generation of prototype intervention materials that were shared, discussed and refined at the second round of focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes from the data. Results: Three themes, each with three sub-themes, were identified: facilitators of engagement with the intervention (sub-themes: motivational language, accountability and education); barriers to engagement (sub-themes: suboptimal interaction with healthcare practitioners, recording behaviour as burdensome/disruptive and uncertainty about technique) and characteristics of a physical activity intervention component (sub-themes: tailored, sustainable and supported). Conclusion: We have identified important aspects to incorporate into the design and delivery of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Insights will be incorporated into intervention materials and protocols, with feasibility and acceptability assessed in a future study.

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

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.7.2.246 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 246-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

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.

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Perceptions and Barriers to Physical Activity in Childhood and Adulthood Among Latinas

Health Behavior and Policy Review ◽

10.14485/hbpr.8.4.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Rosenda Murillo ◽

Mariana Vazquez ◽

Isabel Leal ◽

Daphne Hernandez ◽

Qian Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Individual Interview ◽

Latina Women ◽

The Us ◽

Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽

Barriers To Physical Activity

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify perceptions and barriers to physical activity in childhood and adulthood among Latina adults. Methods: We conducted 3 focus groups, 2 dyadic interviews, and an individual interview using semi-structured interview guides with 23 Latina women aged 21-35. A thematic analysis approach employing inductive and deductive coding was utilized to code, categorize, and summarize data into themes. Results: The themes that emerged focused on: (1) physical activity is enjoyable; (2) family influenced physical activity; (3) different lifestyle in the US influenced physical activity; (4) physical activity is important for health; and (5) responsibilities (eg, work, caregiving) as barriers to physical activity in adulthood. Conclusions: Perceptions and barriers to physical activity experienced in both childhood and adulthood should be considered in the promotion of physical activity among Latinas.

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Iterative development of a multiple technology-based physical activity intervention for Latina adolescents: The Chicas Fuertes Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26195 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Britta Larsen ◽

Emily D. Greenstadt ◽

Brittany L. Olesen ◽

Bess H. Marcus ◽

Job Godino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Media ◽

Focus Group ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Target Population ◽

Text Messages ◽

Study Objective ◽

Latina Adolescents

BACKGROUND Adolescent girls report the lowest levels of physical activity (PA) of any demographic group, with rates especially low for racial/ethnic minority girls. Only 3% of Latina teens meet national PA guidelines, and these habits appear to persist into adulthood. Developing effective interventions to increase PA in Latina teens is necessary for preventing disease and reducing disparities. OBJECTIVE The study objective was to develop a mHealth PA intervention for Latina adolescents using a multi-stage iterative process based on an adaptation of the IDEAS (Integrate, DEsign, Assess, Share) framework. METHODS Development of the intervention was accomplished through three iterations: 1) feedback from a previous web-based pilot study, Niñas Saludables; 2) conducting focus groups with the target population; and, 3) vetting the final materials with a youth advisory board (YAB) comprising Latina adolescents. Based on feedback from participants in the Niñas Saludables study, plans to improve the intervention included incorporating visual social media posts and text messaging, adding a commercial wearable tracker, and revising the existing website to be primarily visual; proposed procedures and material were then refined through focus groups. Participants for focus groups (N=50) were girls age 13-18 who could speak and read in English who were recruited from local high schools and after school programs serving a high proportion of Latinos. Facilitated discussions focused on experience with PA and social media apps, and specific feedback on intervention material prototypes and possible names and logos. Materials were refined based on their feedback, then were beta tested by the YAB. YAB members (N=4) were Latinas age 13-18 who were not regularly active and were recruited via word of mouth and selected through an application process. RESULTS The focus group discussions yielded the following findings: PA preferences included walking, running and group fitness classes, while the least popular activities were running, swimming, and biking. Most participants used some form of social media, with Instagram being the most favored. Participants preferred text messages be sent no more than once a day, be personalized, and be positively worded. Focus group participants preferred an intervention directly targeting Latinas, and social media posts that were brightly colored, included girls of all body types, and provided specific tips and information. Modified intervention materials were generally perceived favorably by the YAB members, who provided suggestions for further refinements including incorporation of some Spanish phrases. CONCLUSIONS Latina teens were generally enthusiastic about an mHealth PA intervention, provided the materials were targeted specifically to them and their preferences. Through multiple iterations of development and feedback with the target population, we gained insight into the needs of Latina teens and joined with industry partners to build a viable final product.

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CATCH: Physical Activity Process Evaluation in a Multicenter Trial

Health Education Quarterly ◽

10.1177/10901981940210s106 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 21 (1_suppl) ◽

pp. S73-S89 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Thomas L. McKenzie ◽

Patricia K. Strikmiller ◽

Elaine J. Stone ◽

Sherry E. Woods ◽

Sally S. Ehlinger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Process Evaluation ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Evaluation Model ◽

Multicenter Trial ◽

Intervention Component ◽

School Day ◽

Service Training ◽

Lesson Context

This paper presents the process evaluation model for the physical activity intervention component of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH) and describes the major procedures used to monitor CATCH PE, the physical education intervention. The paper focuses on CATCH PE teacher training and in-service support as well as on the curriculum implementation. Monitoring training and support included assessing the in-service training workshops and the follow-up on-site assistance provided by staff. Monitoring the implementation included assessing the quantity and quality of CATCH PE instruction in terms of student physical activity engagement and lesson context, the fidelity of the curricular implementation, and the opportunities for other physical activity by children throughout the school day.

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A Focus Group Study Among Inactive Adults Regarding the Perceptions of a Theory-Based Physical Activity App

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.528388 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Nicky Nibbeling ◽

Monique Simons ◽

Karlijn Sporrel ◽

Marije Deutekom

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Goal Setting ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Persuasive Strategies ◽

Framework Approach ◽

Design Characteristics

Background: Despite the increasing attention for the positive effects of physical activity (PA), nearly half of the Dutch citizens do not meet the national PA guidelines. A promising method for increasing PA are mobile exercise applications (apps), especially if they are embedded with theoretically supported persuasive strategies (e.g., goal setting and feedback) that align with the needs and wishes of the user. In addition, it is argued that the operationalization of the persuasive strategies could increase the effectiveness of the app, such as the actual content or visualization of feedback. Although much research has been done to examine the preferences for persuasive strategies, little is known about the needs, wishes, and preferences for the design and operationalization of persuasive strategies.Objective: The purpose of this study was to get insight in the needs, wishes, and preferences regarding the practical operationalization of persuasive strategies in a mobile application aimed at promoting PA in healthy inactive adults.Methods: Five semistructured focus groups were performed. During the focus groups, the participants were led into a discussion about the design and operationalization of six predefined theory-based persuasive strategies (e.g., self-monitoring, feedback, goal setting, reminders, rewards, and social support) directed by two moderators. The audio-recorded focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed following the framework approach.Results: Eight men and 17 women between 35 and 55 years (mean age, 49.2) participated in the study. Outcomes demonstrated diverse preferences for implementation types and design characteristics of persuasive strategies in mobile applications. Basic statistics (such as distance, time and calories), positive feedback based on easy-to-achieve goals that relate to health guidelines, and motivating reminders on a relevant moment were preferred. Participants had mixed preferences regarding rewards and a social platform to invite other users to join PA.Conclusions: Findings indicated that in mHealth applications for healthy but inactive adults, persuasive strategies should be designed and implemented in a way that they relate to health guidelines. Moreover, there is a need for an app that can be adapted or can learn based on personal preferences as, for example, preferences with regard to timing of feedback and reminders differed between people.

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Education and training policies for research integrity: Insights from a focus group study

10.31219/osf.io/p38nw ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Krishma Labib ◽

Natalie Evans ◽

Rea Scepanovic ◽

Panagiotis Kavouras ◽

Andrea Reyez Elizondo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Research Integrity ◽

Education And Training ◽

European Countries ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Formal Element ◽

Inductive Thematic Analysis ◽

And Training

Education is important for fostering research integrity (RI). Although RI training (a formal element of RI education) is increasingly provided, there is little knowledge on how research stakeholders view institutional RI education and training policies. Here, we present insights about research stakeholders’ views on what research institutions should take into account when developing and implementing RI education and training policies. We conducted 30 focus groups, engaging 147 participants in 8 European countries. Using a mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis, we identified five themes: 1) RI education should be available to all; 2) education and training approaches and goals should be tailored; 3) motivating trainees is essential; 4) both formal and informal educational formats are necessary; and 5) institutions should take into account various individual, institutional, and system-of-science factors when implementing RI education. Our findings suggest that institutions should make RI education attractive for all, and tailor training to disciplinary-specific contexts.

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What do geriatric rehabilitation patients and experts consider relevant? Requirements for a digitalised e-coach for sustainable improvement of nutrition and physical activity in older adults – a qualitative focus group study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02692-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lisa Happe ◽

Andreas Hein ◽

Rebecca Diekmann

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Focus Group ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Physical Activity Behaviour ◽

Geriatric Rehabilitation ◽

International Studies ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Nutrition And Physical Activity ◽

Activity Behaviour

Abstract Background During geriatric rehabilitation, attempts are made to increase the patients’ health and functional capacity. In order to maintain these improvements in the medium- and long-term, behavioural changes regarding mobility and nutrition are also targeted, but these are often not sustainable. International studies show positive effects on the sustainability of the improvement of physical activity behaviour in healthy seniors through the use of electronic devices and software applications. Comparable approaches that include nutrition topics or combine them and were additionally developed for geriatric rehabilitation patients (≥70 years) to date are not known. The aim of this study was to identify what geriatric rehabilitation patients require from an electronic coaching system (e-coach) to support them in improving their nutritional and physical activity behaviour, and what content and features physiotherapists and dieticians consider relevant. Method Focus group interviews (09–11/2019) were conducted in a geriatric rehabilitation centre in Germany with patients aged 70 years and older, relatives and experts (physiotherapists and nutritionists). The focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results Three focus groups with patients and relatives (n = 17, 65% female, 16 (94%) in age category 70–99 years) and one focus group with experts (2 dieticians and 1 physiotherapist) were conducted. Relevant contents and feedback elements for nutrition and physical activity in old age were identified. The patients’ comments show that an e-coach must offer obvious benefits for the older persons and promote motivation in order to be used. The willingness to change nutrition and physical activity behaviour and the previous experiences in these areas are very heterogeneous, therefore content should be adaptable to different requirements. Conclusion Experts and patients identified quite similar contents, barriers and facilitators for a nutrition and physical activity e-coach. The e-coach needs to be able to address different points of behaviour change, enable adaptations to the individual patient and convince the older person that using it will help them to improve their nutrition and physical activity. It is also important that the e-coach is easy to use and can be easily integrated into the patient’s everyday life after rehabilitation.

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Barriers and Facilitators for Physical Activity in Already Active Pregnant and Postpartum Women? Findings from a Qualitative Study to Inform the Design of an Intervention for Active Women.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33568/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Murali Krishnan Perumbakkam Subramanian ◽

Peter Van der Graaf ◽

Rosemary Dawson ◽

Louise Hayes ◽

Louisa J Ells ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Background Activity ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Limited Information ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background – Activity levels decline substantially in both inactive and active women during pregnancy and postpartum. There is limited information on the barriers and facilitators for physical activity participation in active women during this period. The primary aim of this study is to identify the barriers and facilitators for physical activity in already active women during pregnancy and postpartum. We also explore their views on, and requirements for, the development of an intervention to support the maintenance of or increase in physical activity. Methods - Five focus groups, with a total of 19 participants, were conducted. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results – Out of the 19 participants, four were postpartum, and 15 were pregnant. Analysing the focus group transcripts, 22 codes were generated and grouped into eight themes: 1-cognizant of physical activity’s benefits, 2-sources of advice, 3-reasons to be active during pregnancy, 4-reasons for reducing physical activity levels during pregnancy, 5-barriers to physical activity during and after pregnancy, 6-facilitators of physical activity during and after pregnancy, 7-ideal physical activity intervention, and 8-evaluation support. Conclusions – Among already active pregnant and postpartum women, factors such as pregnancy-related body changes, childcare and lack of targeted activities deter participation in physical activity. A new programme with social and group elements, including both familiar and new activities, and providing ‘satisfaction and fun’ should be developed to help increase or maintain their activity levels.

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Defining what a ‘carer’ is and the role they play in in-patient mental healthcare: A focus group study with patients, carers and clinicians

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2020.70 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Aysegul Dirik ◽

Justina Kaselionyte ◽

Domenico Giacco ◽

Stefan Priebe

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Hospital Environment ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Perceived Helpfulness

Background The value of carer involvement has been extensively researched and promoted. However, the field lacks exploration of conceptual issues, which might help to explain why there are widespread difficulties in putting policy into practice in this area, as implementation rates remain low internationally. Aims This qualitative study explored patients’, carers’ and clinicians’ perspectives on the role of carers in mental healthcare, particularly with regards to in-patient settings. Method Sixteen focus groups were conducted with patients, carers and clinicians who have current or previous experience of in-patient settings. A thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts, exploring two key domains: (a) what a ‘carer’ is, and (b) how the ‘carer’ role is described within the context of the hospital environment. Results Participants diverged in their opinions of what the ‘carer’ role entails, and the perceived helpfulness of it. Issues unique to the in-patient setting were identified, such as the role of the hospital environment in enabling or being a barrier to carer involvement. These differing perspectives and contextual factors had an impact on the position of carers in the hospital setting, as they could be viewed as helpful, a hindrance or as passive visitors, depending on the perspectives of clinicians. Conclusions More clarity and agreement is needed between patients, carers and clinicians in terms of how the ‘carer’ role is defined. This has the potential to improve carers’ experience of involvement in hospital settings.

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