scholarly journals Developing Embodied Conversational Agents for Coaching People in a Healthy Lifestyle: Scoping Review

10.2196/14058 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. e14058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lean L Kramer ◽  
Silke ter Stal ◽  
Bob C Mulder ◽  
Emely de Vet ◽  
Lex van Velsen
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
American Woman ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
End User ◽  
Promising Tool

Background Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are animated computer characters that simulate face-to-face counseling. Owing to their capacity to establish and maintain an empathic relationship, they are deemed to be a promising tool for starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Objective This review aimed to identify the current practices in designing and evaluating ECAs for coaching people in a healthy lifestyle and provide an overview of their efficacy (on behavioral, knowledge, and motivational parameters) and use (on usability, usage, and user satisfaction parameters). Methods We used the Arksey and O’Malley framework to conduct a scoping review. PsycINFO, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and Scopus were searched with a combination of terms related to ECA and lifestyle. Initially, 1789 unique studies were identified; 20 studies were included. Results Most often, ECAs targeted physical activity (n=16) and had the appearance of a middle-aged African American woman (n=13). Multiple behavior change techniques (median=3) and theories or principles (median=3) were applied, but their interpretation and application were usually not reported. ECAs seemed to be designed for the end user rather than with the end user. Stakeholders were usually not involved. A total of 7 out of 15 studies reported better efficacy outcomes for the intervention group, and 5 out of 8 studies reported better use-related outcomes, as compared with the control group. Conclusions ECAs are a promising tool for persuasive communication in the health domain. This review provided valuable insights into the current developmental processes, and it recommends the use of human-centered, stakeholder-inclusive design approaches, along with reporting on the design activities in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The gaps in knowledge were identified on the working mechanisms of intervention components and the right timing and frequency of coaching.

scholarly journals Developing Embodied Conversational Agents for Coaching People in a Healthy Lifestyle: Scoping Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lean L Kramer ◽  
Silke ter Stal ◽  
Bob C Mulder ◽  
Emely de Vet ◽  
Lex van Velsen
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
American Woman ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Embodied Conversational Agents ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
End User ◽  
Promising Tool

BACKGROUND Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are animated computer characters that simulate face-to-face counseling. Owing to their capacity to establish and maintain an empathic relationship, they are deemed to be a promising tool for starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify the current practices in designing and evaluating ECAs for coaching people in a healthy lifestyle and provide an overview of their efficacy (on behavioral, knowledge, and motivational parameters) and use (on usability, usage, and user satisfaction parameters). METHODS We used the Arksey and O’Malley framework to conduct a scoping review. PsycINFO, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and Scopus were searched with a combination of terms related to ECA and lifestyle. Initially, 1789 unique studies were identified; 20 studies were included. RESULTS Most often, ECAs targeted physical activity (n=16) and had the appearance of a middle-aged African American woman (n=13). Multiple behavior change techniques (median=3) and theories or principles (median=3) were applied, but their interpretation and application were usually not reported. ECAs seemed to be designed for the end user rather than with the end user. Stakeholders were usually not involved. A total of 7 out of 15 studies reported better efficacy outcomes for the intervention group, and 5 out of 8 studies reported better use-related outcomes, as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS ECAs are a promising tool for persuasive communication in the health domain. This review provided valuable insights into the current developmental processes, and it recommends the use of human-centered, stakeholder-inclusive design approaches, along with reporting on the design activities in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The gaps in knowledge were identified on the working mechanisms of intervention components and the right timing and frequency of coaching.

scholarly journals Parental Self-Efficacy to Promote Children’s Healthy Lifestyles: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4794
Author(s):  
Cayetana Ruiz-Zaldibar ◽  
Inmaculada Serrano-Monzó ◽  
Olga Lopez-Dicastillo ◽  
María Jesús Pumar-Méndez ◽  
Andrea Iriarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Parenting Styles ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Positive Parenting ◽  
Parenting Programs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles

Positive parenting programs are a key strategy to promote the development of parental competence. We designed a pilot study based on parental self-efficacy to promote healthy lifestyles in their children aged between 2 to 5 years old. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the effects of a parenting program on parental self-efficacy and parenting styles. Twenty-five parents were allocated into intervention (N = 15) and control group (N = 10). Parents from the intervention group received four group sessions (120 mi per session) to develop a positive parenting, parenting styles and parenting skills regarding to children’s diet, exercise, and screen time, and two additional sessions about child development and family games. Parents from the control group received these two latter sessions. Parental self-efficacy, parenting styles, and meal-related parenting practices were measured before and after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Acceptability and feasibility of the program was also measured. Quantitative data were analyzed using the repeat measures ANOVA and ANCOVA tests and the effect size calculation. Content analysis was used to analyse open questions. Positive trends were found regarding parental self-efficacy and the use of authoritative parenting style. Parents also reported a great acceptability of the program getting high satisfaction. According to the feasibility barriers and facilitators aspects were identified. The positive trends founded in this study support the development of parenting programs to promote healthy lifestyle in children.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Human Capacity-building Initiative on Improving the Health of Rural Communities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Rezakhani Moghaddam ◽  
Vahideh Aghamohammadi ◽  
Aghil Habibi ◽  
Yousef Hamidzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Job Motivation ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

Abstract Background: Given the major role of capacity building in improving the health of rural communities and due to the lack of studies performed on this issue, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational and capacity building intervention on staff communication, job motivation skills, educational performance, and knowledge and behavior of health house clients in Ardabil city’s rural communities.Methods: The pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design was conducted. In this study, convenience sampling was performed and a total of 220 health care recipients and 108 staff were surveyed in both interventional and control groups. The intervention was designed based on four approaches for capacity building introduced by Crisp et al. Data were collected using three questionnaires including knowledge and practice about healthy lifestyle, communication skills self-assessment, and Wright's job motivation. All statistical analyses were fulfilled using IBM SPSS Statistics software.Results: At the end of the study; the mean scores of knowledge and practice of referrals to health centers about a healthy lifestyle and communication skills and job motivation of healthcare worker increased statistically in the intervention group compared to the baseline (p< 0.05), but changes in these variables were not significant in the control group (p>0.05). Following 3 months of intervention, there were significant differences among the study groups (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Capacity building comprehensive interventions can help in identifying rural community health needs, increasing knowledge and practice of rural communities' residents about health issues, promoting health workers empowerment, and improving health workers' motivation.

Pengaruh Pendidikan Kesehatan dengan Lembar Balik Terhadap Perilaku Pemberian Asi pada Ibu Post Partum

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Luluk Fajria Maulida
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Group A ◽  
And Control ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitude

 One of the obstacles in breastfeeding attitude is the lack of lactation communication and counseling. Breastfeeding health education is designed to enforce healthy lifestyle of breastfeeding by delivering proof based information. Flipchart media usage can be easily understood by health counsellors and clients. The study is to investigate the influence of health education using flipchart over breastfeeding attitude in post-partum mothers. This research was used a quasi experiment design with posttest only design with control group. A random assignment sampling design was used to 42 respondents which were divided into 2 groups; intervention group and control group. The samples were randomized using numbers and were divided into intervention and control group. The intervention group was given health education after delivery and questionnaires were given in intervention and control group a week after postpartum. The average score postpartum maternal behavior in the intervention group (18,43) is higher than the control group (15,14). The results of chi square test p = 0.00; RR = 3.16; CI = 1,58-6,31. External variables related to the behavior of breastfeeding is the education level of p = 0.02. Health education using flipchart significantly affects breastfeeding behavior in postpartum mothers.

scholarly journals A Digital Lifestyle Program in Outpatient Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 193229682094228
Author(s):  
Eva Hilmarsdóttir ◽  
Árún K. Sigurðardóttir ◽  
Ragnheiður Harpa Arnardóttir
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Outpatient Treatment ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lifestyle Program

Background: Lifestyle is important in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study’s aim was to investigate whether a healthy-lifestyle-supporting smartphone application could affect treatment outcomes at an endocrinology outpatient clinic. Methods: Consecutively invited patients were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group after age and gender stratification. In addition to standard care, intervention group participants used a smartphone application to access a lifestyle program (SidekickHealth) through which they received personalized recommendations and education about healthy lifestyles. Tests at baseline and every other month for six months included body weight and blood tests for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lipids, as well as questionnaires about distress related to diabetes, health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Statistics included comparisons both within and between groups. Results: A total of 37 patients (23 women) were included, whereof 30 finished, 15 in each group (19% dropout); the average age was 51.2 ± 10.6 (25-70) years. No significant differences emerged between groups, but within the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c from 61 ± 21.4 to 52.7 ± 15.2 mmol/mol, in disease-specific distress from 19.5 ± 16.5 to 11.7 ± 13.4, and in anxiety symptoms from 5.4 ± 4.0 to 4.1 ± 3.8. No significant changes occurred within the control group. The application usage was most frequent during the first months and differed interpersonally. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the SidekickHealth digital lifestyle program could potentially enhance outpatient treatment in T2DM, in terms of both glycemic control and psychological well-being but larger confirmative studies are needed.

scholarly journals Intervention Effects of a School-Based Health Promotion Programme on Obesity Related Behavioural Outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Kobel ◽  
Tamara Wirt ◽  
Anja Schreiber ◽  
Dorothea Kesztyüs ◽  
Sarah Kettner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Promotion Programme ◽  
Randomised Study ◽  
Low Education ◽  
Education Levels

Studies have shown preventive effects of an active lifestyle during childhood on later life; therefore, health promotion has to start early. The programme “Join the Healthy Boat” promotes a healthy lifestyle in primary school children. In order to evaluate it, children’s behaviours in respect of increased physical activity (PA), a decrease in screen media use (SMU), more regular breakfast, and a reduction of the consumption of soft drinks (SDC) were investigated. 1943 children (7.1 ± 0.6 years) participated in the cluster-randomised study and were assessed at baseline and 1736 of them at follow-up. Teachers delivered lessons, which included behavioural contracting and budgeting of SMU and SDC. Daily SMU, PA behaviours, SDC, and breakfast patterns were assessed via parental questionnaire. After one-year intervention, significant effects were found in the intervention group for SMU of girls, children without migration background, and children with parents having a low education level. In the control group, second grade children skipped breakfast significantly more often. Tendencies but no significant differences were found for PA and SDC. This intervention seems to affect groups, which are usually hard to reach, such as children of parents with low education levels, which shows that active parental involvement is vital for successful interventions.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Physical Competence in Overweight and Obese Children: An Intervention Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6370
Author(s):  
Milena Morano ◽  
Claudio Robazza ◽  
Laura Bortoli ◽  
Irene Rutigliano ◽  
Montse C. Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
After School ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Competence ◽  
Physical Ability ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
Multicomponent Program

With the current obesity epidemic and the decline of fitness among school-aged children, the importance of obesity interventions to promote physical activity and healthy habits has become indisputable. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a school-based multicomponent intervention in increasing physical activity (PA) levels, actual physical abilities, and perceived physical abilities in clinical and nonclinical samples of overweight/obese boys and girls aged 10–12 years. The clinical intervention group (n = 35) participated in a 7-month after-school program in addition to curricular physical education lessons, while the nonclinical control group (n = 29) received usual curricular lessons. Measures included levels of PA and fitness and individual’s perceptions of physical ability. After treatment, the intervention group showed improved PA levels, perceived physical ability, and throwing and jumping task performances compared to the control group. Results indicate that a multicomponent program can improve levels of PA, fitness, and perceived competence of overweight participants. Findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive healthy lifestyle program that includes physical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors and suggest practical implications for educators, trainers, and teachers in identifying best practices targeting childhood obesity.

scholarly journals Development and Evaluation of a Computer-Based, Self-Management Tool for People Recently Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison O. Booth ◽  
Carole Lowis ◽  
Steven J. Hunter ◽  
Moira Dean ◽  
Chris R. Cardwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Computer Program ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Based

Aim. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a computer-based, dietary, and physical activity self-management program for people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.Methods. The computer-based program was developed in conjunction with the target group and evaluated in a 12-week randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants were randomised to the intervention (computer-program) or control group (usual care). Primary outcomes were diabetes knowledge and goal setting (ADKnowl questionnaire, Diabetes Obstacles Questionnaire (DOQ)) measured at baseline and week 12. User feedback on the program was obtained via a questionnaire and focus groups.Results. Seventy participants completed the 12-week RCT (32 intervention, 38 control, mean age 59 (SD) years). After completion there was a significant between-group difference in the “knowledge and beliefs scale” of the DOQ. Two-thirds of the intervention group rated the program as either good or very good, 92% would recommend the program to others, and 96% agreed that the information within the program was clear and easy to understand.Conclusions. The computer-program resulted in a small but statistically significant improvement in diet-related knowledge and user satisfaction was high. With some further development, this computer-based educational tool may be a useful adjunct to diabetes self-management. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT numberNCT00877851.

An Interactive Web-Based Intervention to Achieve Healthy Weight in Young Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen R. Wald ◽  
Linda J. Ewing ◽  
Stacey C. L. Moyer ◽  
Jens C. Eickhoff
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Healthy Behavior ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Z Scores

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial for parents of overweight and obese 3- to 7-year-olds was performed to assess the feasibility of a program promoting healthy eating and lifestyle by targeting parents as agents of change. The intervention was composed of 6-in-person group sessions and a customized website over 12 months. The control group received customary care. The primary outcome was feasibility of the intervention to promote healthy behavior change measured by attendance. The secondary outcome was effectiveness assessed by attaining reduced body mass index (BMI) z scores, healthy behavior changes and increased parent self-efficacy. Seventy-three child-parent dyads were enrolled; 14 parents never attended any sessions. Participation in follow-up assessments did not meet the hypothesized level. Ultimate BMI z scores did not differ between control and intervention groups. Parenting skills did not improve in the intervention group. This intervention to achieve healthy lifestyle changes in children via their parents as “change agents” was unsuccessful.

scholarly journals Changes in diet and physical activity resulting from the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities randomized cardiovascular disease risk reduction multilevel intervention trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara C. Folta ◽  
Lynn Paul ◽  
Miriam E. Nelson ◽  
David Strogatz ◽  
Meredith Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity

Abstract Background Women living in rural areas face unique challenges in achieving a heart-healthy lifestyle that are related to multiple levels of the social-ecological framework. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in diet and physical activity, which are secondary outcomes of a community-based, multilevel cardiovascular disease risk reduction intervention designed for women in rural communities. Methods Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities was a six-month, community-randomized trial conducted in 16 rural towns in Montana and New York, USA. Sedentary women aged 40 and older with overweight and obesity were recruited. Intervention participants (eight towns) attended twice weekly exercise and nutrition classes for 24 weeks (48 total). Individual-level components included aerobic exercise, progressive strength training, and healthy eating practices; a civic engagement component was designed to address social and built environment factors to support healthy lifestyles. The control group (eight towns) attended didactic healthy lifestyle classes monthly (six total). Dietary and physical activity data were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Dietary data were collected using automated self-administered 24-h dietary recalls, and physical activity data were collected by accelerometry and self-report. Data were analyzed using multilevel linear regression models with town as a random effect. Results At baseline, both groups fell short of meeting many recommendations for cardiovascular health. Compared to the control group, the intervention group realized significant improvements in intake of fruit and vegetables combined (difference: 0.6 cup equivalents per day, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.1, p = .026) and in vegetables alone (difference: 0.3 cup equivalents per day, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6, p = .016). For physical activity, there were no statistically significant between-group differences based on accelerometry. By self-report, the intervention group experienced a greater increase in walking MET minutes per week (difference: 113.5 MET-minutes per week, 95% CI 12.8 to 214.2, p = .027). Conclusions Between-group differences in dietary and physical activity behaviors measured in this study were minimal. Future studies should consider how to bolster behavioral outcomes in rural settings and may also continue to explore the value of components designed to enact social and environmental change. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02499731. Registered 16 July 2015.

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