scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of an App (SELFBACK) to Support Self-Management of Low Back Pain: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/18729 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e18729
Author(s):  
Anne Lovise Nordstoga ◽  
Kerstin Bach ◽  
Sadiq Sani ◽  
Nirmalie Wiratunga ◽  
Paul Jarle Mork ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Completion Time ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Activity Component ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Web Questionnaire

Background Self-management is the key recommendation for managing nonspecific low back pain (LBP). However, there are well-documented barriers to self-management; therefore, methods of facilitating adherence are required. Smartphone apps are increasingly being used to support self-management of long-term conditions such as LBP. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the usability and acceptability of the SELFBACK smartphone app, designed to support and facilitate self-management of non-specific LBP. The app provides weekly self-management plans, comprising physical activity, strength and flexibility exercises, and patient education. The plans are tailored to the patient’s characteristics and symptom progress by using case-based reasoning methodology. Methods The study was carried out in 2 stages using a mixed-methods approach. All participants undertook surveys, and semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with a subgroup of participants. Stage 1 assessed an app version with only the physical activity component and a web questionnaire that collects information necessary for tailoring the self-management plans. The physical activity component included monitoring of steps recorded by a wristband, goal setting, and a scheme for sending personalized, timely, and motivational notifications to the user’s smartphone. Findings from Stage 1 were used to refine the app and inform further development. Stage 2 investigated an app version that incorporated 3 self-management components (physical activity, exercises, and education). A total of 16 participants (age range 23-71 years) with ongoing or chronic nonspecific LBP were included in Stage 1, and 11 participants (age range 32-56 years) were included in Stage 2. Results In Stage 1, 15 of 16 participants reported that the baseline questionnaire was easy to answer, and 84% (13/16) found the completion time to be acceptable. Overall, participants were positive about the usability of the physical activity component but only 31% (5/16) found the app functions to be well integrated. Of the participants, 90% (14/16) were satisfied with the notifications, and they were perceived as being personalized (12/16, 80%). In Stage 2, all participants reported that the web questionnaire was easy to answer and the completion time acceptable. The physical activity and exercise components were rated useful by 80% (8/10), while 60% (6/10) rated the educational component useful. Overall, participants were satisfied with the usability of the app; however, only 50% (5/10) found the functions to be well integrated, and 20% (2/10) found them to be inconsistent. Overall, 80% (8/10) of participants reported it to be useful for self-management. The interviews largely reinforced the survey findings in both stages. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that participants considered the SELFBACK app to be acceptable and usable and that they thought it would be useful for supporting self-management of LBP. However, we identified some limitations and suggestions useful to guide further development of the SELFBACK app and other mobile health interventions.

scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of an App (SELFBACK) to Support Self-Management of Low Back Pain: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Lovise Nordstoga ◽  
Kerstin Bach ◽  
Sadiq Sani ◽  
Nirmalie Wiratunga ◽  
Paul Jarle Mork ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Completion Time ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Activity Component ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Web Questionnaire

BACKGROUND Self-management is the key recommendation for managing nonspecific low back pain (LBP). However, there are well-documented barriers to self-management; therefore, methods of facilitating adherence are required. Smartphone apps are increasingly being used to support self-management of long-term conditions such as LBP. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the usability and acceptability of the SELFBACK smartphone app, designed to support and facilitate self-management of non-specific LBP. The app provides weekly self-management plans, comprising physical activity, strength and flexibility exercises, and patient education. The plans are tailored to the patient’s characteristics and symptom progress by using case-based reasoning methodology. METHODS The study was carried out in 2 stages using a mixed-methods approach. All participants undertook surveys, and semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with a subgroup of participants. Stage 1 assessed an app version with only the physical activity component and a web questionnaire that collects information necessary for tailoring the self-management plans. The physical activity component included monitoring of steps recorded by a wristband, goal setting, and a scheme for sending personalized, timely, and motivational notifications to the user’s smartphone. Findings from Stage 1 were used to refine the app and inform further development. Stage 2 investigated an app version that incorporated 3 self-management components (physical activity, exercises, and education). A total of 16 participants (age range 23-71 years) with ongoing or chronic nonspecific LBP were included in Stage 1, and 11 participants (age range 32-56 years) were included in Stage 2. RESULTS In Stage 1, 15 of 16 participants reported that the baseline questionnaire was easy to answer, and 84% (13/16) found the completion time to be acceptable. Overall, participants were positive about the usability of the physical activity component but only 31% (5/16) found the app functions to be well integrated. Of the participants, 90% (14/16) were satisfied with the notifications, and they were perceived as being personalized (12/16, 80%). In Stage 2, all participants reported that the web questionnaire was easy to answer and the completion time acceptable. The physical activity and exercise components were rated useful by 80% (8/10), while 60% (6/10) rated the educational component useful. Overall, participants were satisfied with the usability of the app; however, only 50% (5/10) found the functions to be well integrated, and 20% (2/10) found them to be inconsistent. Overall, 80% (8/10) of participants reported it to be useful for self-management. The interviews largely reinforced the survey findings in both stages. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated that participants considered the SELFBACK app to be acceptable and usable and that they thought it would be useful for supporting self-management of LBP. However, we identified some limitations and suggestions useful to guide further development of the SELFBACK app and other mobile health interventions.

scholarly journals PREVALENSI DAN ANALISIS FAKTOR RISIKO HIPERTENSI DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS NANGGALO PADANG

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Verra Widhi Astuti ◽  
Tasman Tasman ◽  
Lola Felnanda Amri
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Community Health Center ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Area ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Age Range

ABSTRAK Pendahuluan: Hipertensi disebut sebagai "silent killer" artinya dapat menyebabkan kematian secara diam-diam. Hanya melalui pengukuranlah deteksi dapat dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi hipertensi dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi hipertensi di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Nanggalo, Padang. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian dilakukan pada masyarakat usia > 18 tahun di wilayah Kerja Puskemas Nanggalo dengan sampel sebanyak 438 responden. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proporsi hipertensi di masyarakat Wilayah Kerja Nanggalo tahun 2019 sebesar 13,7 yang terdiri dari 10,7% hipertensi stage 1 dan 3% hipertensi stage 2. Sedangkan 19,2% responden sudah memasuki tahap pra hipertensi. Responden paling banyak pada usia produktif yaitu pada rentang usia 18-50 tahun; responden antara laki-laki dan perempuan jumlahnya hampir sama; sebagian besar memiliki status gizi (IMT) normal (64,2%), sebagian besar responden beraktivitas fisik secara rutin (77,9%); sebagian besar responden tidak merokok (61%); dan konsumsi makanan tinggi lemak jenuh dan rendah lemak jenuh hampir sama. Kesimpulan: Ada hubungan yang signifikan antara usia, berat badan (IMT) dan aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian hipertensi. Serta tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara jenis kelamin, kebiasaan merokok, dan makan makanan berlemak jenuh dengan kejadian hipertensi. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan mampu meningkatkan kesadaran responden terhadap faktor-faktor risiko hipertensi.   Kata kunci: Faktor risiko, hipertensi,  prevalensi.   ABSTRACT Introduction: Hypertension is called the "silent killer" which means it can cause death silently. Therefore, detection can only be done through measurement. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension and the risk factors that influence hypertension in the working area of ​​the Nanggalo Community Health Center, Padang. Methods: This study used an analytic survey method with a cross sectional approach. The research was conducted on people aged> 18 years in the working area of ​​Puskemas Nanggalo with 438 respondents as a sample. Result: The results showed that the proportion of hypertension in Nanggalo Work Area was 13.7 consisting of 10.7% stage 1 hypertension and 3% stage 2 hypertension. While 19.2% of respondents had entered the pre hypertension stage. Most respondents are in productive age, namely in the age range 18-50 years; the number of respondents between men and women is almost the same; most of them had normal nutritional status (BMI) (64.2%), most of the respondents had regular physical activity (77.9%); most of the respondents do not smoke (61%); and consumption of foods high in saturated fat and low in saturated fat is about the same. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between age, body weight (BMI) and physical activity with the incidence of hypertension. And there is no significant relationship between gender, smoking habits, and eating saturated fatty foods with the incidence of hypertension. The results of this study are expected to be able to increase respondents' awareness of risk factors for hypertension.   Keywords: Hypertension, prevalence, risk factor

scholarly journals A Decision Support System to Enhance Self-Management of Low Back Pain: Protocol for the selfBACK Project (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Jarle Mork ◽  
Kerstin Bach
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support System ◽  
Support System ◽  
Patient Data ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Design And Implementation

BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most patients with LBP encountered in primary care settings have nonspecific LBP, that is, pain with an unknown pathoanatomical cause. Self-management in the form of physical activity and strength and flexibility exercises along with patient education constitute the core components of the management of nonspecific LBP. However, the adherence to a self-management program is challenging for most patients, especially without feedback and reinforcement. Here we outline a protocol for the design and implementation of a decision support system (DSS), selfBACK, to be used by patients themselves to promote self-management of LBP. OBJECTIVE The main objective of the selfBACK project is to improve self-management of nonspecific LBP to prevent chronicity, recurrence and pain-related disability. This is achieved by utilizing computer technology to develop personalized self-management plans based on individual patient data. METHODS The decision support is conveyed to patients via a mobile phone app in the form of advice for self-management. Case-based reasoning (CBR), a technology that utilizes knowledge about previous cases along with data about the current patient case, is used to tailor the advice to the current patient, enabling a patient-centered intervention based on what has and has not been successful in previous patient cases. The data source for the CBR system comprises initial patient data collected by a Web-based questionnaire, weekly patient reports (eg, symptom progression), and a physical activity-detecting wristband. The effectiveness of the selfBACK DSS will be evaluated in a multinational, randomized controlled trial (RCT), targeting care-seeking patients with nonspecific LBP. A process evaluation will be carried out as an integral part of the RCT to document the implementation and patient experiences with selfBACK. RESULTS The selfBACK project was launched in January 2016 and will run until the end of 2020. The final version of the selfBACK DSS will be completed in 2018. The RCT will commence in February 2019 with pain-related disability at 3 months as the primary outcome. The trial results will be reported according to the CONSORT statement and the extended CONSORT-EHEALTH checklist. Exploitation of the results will be ongoing throughout the project period based on a business plan developed by the selfBACK consortium. Tailored digital support has been proposed as a promising approach to improve self-management of chronic disease. However, tailoring self-management advice according to the needs, motivation, symptoms, and progress of individual patients is a challenging task. Here we outline a protocol for the design and implementation of a stand-alone DSS based on the CBR technology with the potential to improve self-management of nonspecific LBP. CONCLUSIONS The selfBACK project will provide learning regarding the implementation and effectiveness of an app-based DSS for patients with nonspecific LBP. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/9379

scholarly journals Feasibility and Convergent Validity of an Activity Tracker in a Clinical Study of Low Back Pain (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Xiaoqian Zhuo ◽  
Luciana Gazzi Macedo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Activity Monitor ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Activity Monitors ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is a highly prevalent condition affecting individuals of all ages. To manage the symptoms and prevent recurrences and flare-ups, physical activity in conjunction with self-management education is recommended. Tools such as diaries and questionnaires have been the gold standard for tracking physical activity in clinical studies. However, there are issues with consistency, accuracy, and recall with the use of these outcome measures. Given the growth of technology in today’s society, consumer-grade activity monitors have become a common and convenient method of recording physical activity data. OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility and convergent validity a Garmin Vivo 3 activity tracker in evaluating physical activity levels in a clinical trial of LBP patients. METHODS We recruited 17 individuals with non-specific LBP referred from health care professionals or self-referred through advertisements in the community. The participants entered into a 12-week physical activity and self-management program. Physical activity was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and the Garmin activity tracker. Activity tracker data (e.g. steps taken, distance walked, intensity minutes, etc.) were extracted weekly from the Garmin Connect online platform. Outcomes of pain and activity limitation were assessed weekly using a mobile app. Linear regression was conducted to evaluate if demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, pain level) affected the adherence rates to the activity monitor. We also used Pearson’s correlations to evaluate the convergent validity of the Garmin activity tracker with the physical activity questionnaire. RESULTS The daily adherence rate for activity monitors was 70% (SD 31%) over the 26 weeks of study. The daily response rate for the text messaging system over the first 12 weeks of the study was 81% (SD 28%). The response rate for the weekly physical activity measures using REDCap was 91% (SD 17%). None of the hypothesized variables or questionnaires were predictors of response rate. CONCLUSIONS No correlations were found between the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the activity monitor. Demographic factors were not found to be predictors of adherence to wearing the device. However, the majority of participants were compliant with wearing the tracker and thus, activity monitors may still be a useful tool in scientific research.

Barriers to Physical Activity in Adolescents

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Langguth ◽  
Tanja Könen ◽  
Simone Matulis ◽  
Regina Steil ◽  
Caterina Gawrilow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Multidimensional Approach ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Tailored Interventions ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
Age Range

During adolescence, physical activity (PA) decreases with potentially serious, long-term consequences for physical and mental health. Although barriers have been identified as an important PA correlate in adults, research on adolescents’ PA barriers is lacking. Thus reliable, valid scales to measure adolescents’ PA barriers are needed. We present two studies describing a broad range of PA barriers relevant to adolescents with a multidimensional approach. In Study 1, 124 adolescents (age range = 12 – 24 years) reported their most important PA barriers. Two independent coders categorized those barriers. The most frequent PA barriers were incorporated in a multidimensional questionnaire. In Study 2, 598 adolescents (age range = 13 – 21 years) completed this questionnaire and reported their current PA, intention, self-efficacy, and negative outcome expectations. Seven PA barrier dimensions (leisure activities, lack of motivation, screen-based sedentary behavior, depressed mood, physical health, school workload, and preconditions) were confirmed in factor analyses. A multidimensional approach to measuring PA barriers in adolescents is reliable and valid. The current studies provide the basis for developing individually tailored interventions to increase PA in adolescents.

scholarly journals OP0007-PARE CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & EXERCISE TO RMD PATIENTS THROUGH EDUCATION AND PRACTICE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 5.1-6
Author(s):  
A. Iacovou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Life Style ◽  
National Health System ◽  
List Type ◽  
Exercise Rehabilitation ◽  
Eular Recommendations ◽  
National Strategic Plan ◽  
Sport Events ◽  
Further Development

Background:Eular give’ s a lot of attention to outline the need of a change in RMD patients life style that is very well outlined into the 2018 Eular recommendations for Physical Activity (PA).Objectives:Driven by those recommendations that says that “PA should be an integral part of standard care throughout the course of disease”, CypLAR decided to create a campaign to promote PA through educating RMD patients on the PA benefits, make them to change their life style and enroll them to PA programs. More over we want to inform Rheumatologist and HPR’s on that effort and enroll them to that campaign.The CypLAR’ s goal through that campaign is to manage and enroll as much as possible patients to PA Programs for a continual period of about 10 months.Methods:To achieve all the above we decided to move to the following steps:Offer PA Programs organized by CypLAR or HPR associatesIncrease awareness regarding the benefits of the PA (Land based & Aquatic) programs to Rheumatologists, HPR’s and RMD patientsIntegrate PA into National Health System and proceduresOffer incentivesResults:We managed to increase the PA programs that we used to offer from 1 to 3 in every major cities with also some more opportunities ahead. That also increases the number of participants attracting around 100 participants instead of 20 that we uses to before.Towards awareness, we presented Exercise rehabilitation in conferences around Europe (Agora 2017,2018,2019, Eular 2018, Cyprus – Crete Conference 2017, 2019, Enfa 2019, Pain Conference, Athens 2019) and also published related articles on CypLAR’s magazine that is published twice a year that is distributed to more than 5000 members.We managed to include the Aquatic Exercise Rehabilitation to the new National Strategic plan for Rheumatic Diseases.As incentives, we created a fund that is addressed to partially support low income patients. Furthermore we acquire special discount membership fees to our members on PA programs that are offered by associates.We organize our own sport related fund events and also participate in others sport funding events. Especially the Charity Swimming Event “Swim for my fellow” which is co-organized by the Iacovou Swimming Centre and Cyplar for the last 5 years is also under the Limassol Municipality Annual Sport Events called “Lemesia” which this year will have an International promotion due Limassol’s Award as the “European City of Sports” for 2020.We are in the process and in contact with big companies in order to become our campaign SponsorsWe attracted a fund of €2000 from Cyprus Sport Organization that offered a partial financial support to 30 patients for their participation in PA programs for 3 months.Conclusion:We all believe that the success on that campaign is based on Education (articles, presentations), the available options (programs/positions to participate) and Incentives (financial) that all of them needs further development.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Type 2 diabetes patients’ views on prevention of hypoglycaemia – a mixed methods study investigating self-management issues and self-identified causes of hypoglycaemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stijn Crutzen ◽  
Tessa van den Born-Bondt ◽  
Petra Denig ◽  
Katja Taxis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Hypoglycaemic Event ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Management Issues

Abstract Background Hypoglycaemia is a common and potentially avoidable adverse event in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It can reduce quality of life, increase healthcare costs, and reduce treatment success. We investigated self-management issues associated with hypoglycaemia and self-identified causes of hypoglycaemia in these patients. Methods In this mixed methods study qualitative semi-structured interviews were performed, which informed a subsequent quantitative survey in T2D patients. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded independently by two coders using directed content analysis, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify the self-management issues and causes of hypoglycaemia collected in the survey for the respondents that had experienced at least one hypoglycaemic event in the past. Results Sixteen participants were interviewed, aged 59–84 years. Participants perceived difficulties in managing deviations from routine, and they sometimes lacked procedural knowledge to adjust medication, nutrition or physical activity to manage their glucose levels. Grief and loss of support due to the loss of a partner interfered with self-management and lead to hypoglycaemic events. Work ethic lead some participant to overexerting themselves, which in turn lead to hypoglycaemic events. The participants had difficulties preventing hypoglycaemic events, because they did not know the cause, suffered from impaired hypoglycaemia awareness and/or did not want to regularly measure their blood glucose. When they did recognise a cause, they identified issues with nutrition, physical activity, stress or medication. In total, 40% of respondents reported regular stress as an issue, 24% reported that they regularly overestimated their physical abilities, and 22% indicated they did not always know how to adjust their medication. Around 16% of patients could not always remember whether they took their medication, and 42% always took their medication at regular times. Among the 83 respondents with at least one hypoglycaemic event, common causes for hypoglycaemia mentioned were related to physical activity (67%), low food intake (52%), deviations from routine (35%) and emotional burden (28%). Accidental overuse of medication was reported by 10%. Conclusion People with T2D experience various issues with self-managing their glucose levels. This study underlines the importance of daily routine and being able to adjust medication in relation to more physical activity or less food intake as well as the ability to reduce and manage stress to prevent hypoglycaemic events.

scholarly journals TEXT4myBACK – The development process of a self-management intervention delivered via text message for low back pain

2021 ◽  
pp. 100128
Author(s):  
Carolina G. Fritsch ◽  
Paulo H. Ferreira ◽  
Joanna L Prior ◽  
Giovana Vesentini ◽  
Patricia Schlotfeldt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Management Intervention
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