scholarly journals A Mobile Phone Intervention to Improve Obesity-Related Health Behaviors of Adolescents Across Europe: Iterative Co-Design and Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Martin ◽  
Maurizio Caon ◽  
Fulvio Adorni ◽  
Giuseppe Andreoni ◽  
Antonio Ascolese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Current Increase ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Mhealth Technology

BACKGROUND Promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and reduced sedentary behavior in adolescents is a major priority globally given the current increase in population health challenges of noncommunicable diseases and risk factors such as obesity. Adolescents are highly engaged with mobile technology, but the challenge is to engage them with mobile health (mHealth) technology. Recent innovations in mobile technology provide opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle in adolescents. An increasingly utilized approach to facilitate increased engagement with mHealth technology is to involve potential users in the creation of the technology. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the process of and findings from co-designing and prototyping components of the PEGASO Fit for Future (F4F) mHealth intervention for adolescents from different cultural backgrounds. METHODS A total of 74 adolescents aged 13 to 16 years from Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom participated in the co-design of the PEGASO F4F technology. In 3 iterative cycles over 12 months, participants were involved in the co-design, refinement, and feasibility testing of a system consisting of diverse mobile apps with a variety of functions and facilities to encourage healthy weight–promoting behaviors. In the first iteration, participants attended a single workshop session and were presented with mock-ups or early-version prototypes of different apps for user requirements assessment and review. During the second iteration, prototypes of all apps were tested by participants for 1 week at home or school. In the third iteration, further developed prototypes were tested for 2 weeks. Participants’ user experience feedback and development ideas were collected through focus groups and completion of questionnaires. RESULTS For the PEGASO F4F technology to be motivating and engaging, participants suggested that it should (1) allow personalization of the interface, (2) have age-appropriate and easy-to-understand language (of icons, labels, instructions, and notifications), (3) provide easily accessible tutorials on how to use the app or navigate through a game, (4) present a clear purpose and end goal, (5) have an appealing and self-explanatory reward system, (6) offer variation in gamified activities within apps and the serious game, and (7) allow to seek peer support and connect with peers for competitive activities within the technology. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating adolescents’ preferences, the PEGASO F4F technology combines the functions of a self-monitoring, entertainment, advisory, and social support tool. This was the first study demonstrating that it is possible to develop a complex mobile phone-based technological system applying the principles of co-design to mHealth technology with adolescents across 3 countries. The findings from this study informed the development of an mHealth system for healthy weight promotion to be tested in a controlled multinational pilot trial.

scholarly journals A Mobile Phone Intervention to Improve Obesity-Related Health Behaviors of Adolescents Across Europe: Iterative Co-Design and Feasibility Study

10.2196/14118 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e14118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Martin ◽  
Maurizio Caon ◽  
Fulvio Adorni ◽  
Giuseppe Andreoni ◽  
Antonio Ascolese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Current Increase ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Mhealth Technology

Background Promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and reduced sedentary behavior in adolescents is a major priority globally given the current increase in population health challenges of noncommunicable diseases and risk factors such as obesity. Adolescents are highly engaged with mobile technology, but the challenge is to engage them with mobile health (mHealth) technology. Recent innovations in mobile technology provide opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle in adolescents. An increasingly utilized approach to facilitate increased engagement with mHealth technology is to involve potential users in the creation of the technology. Objective This study aimed to describe the process of and findings from co-designing and prototyping components of the PEGASO Fit for Future (F4F) mHealth intervention for adolescents from different cultural backgrounds. Methods A total of 74 adolescents aged 13 to 16 years from Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom participated in the co-design of the PEGASO F4F technology. In 3 iterative cycles over 12 months, participants were involved in the co-design, refinement, and feasibility testing of a system consisting of diverse mobile apps with a variety of functions and facilities to encourage healthy weight–promoting behaviors. In the first iteration, participants attended a single workshop session and were presented with mock-ups or early-version prototypes of different apps for user requirements assessment and review. During the second iteration, prototypes of all apps were tested by participants for 1 week at home or school. In the third iteration, further developed prototypes were tested for 2 weeks. Participants’ user experience feedback and development ideas were collected through focus groups and completion of questionnaires. Results For the PEGASO F4F technology to be motivating and engaging, participants suggested that it should (1) allow personalization of the interface, (2) have age-appropriate and easy-to-understand language (of icons, labels, instructions, and notifications), (3) provide easily accessible tutorials on how to use the app or navigate through a game, (4) present a clear purpose and end goal, (5) have an appealing and self-explanatory reward system, (6) offer variation in gamified activities within apps and the serious game, and (7) allow to seek peer support and connect with peers for competitive activities within the technology. Conclusions Incorporating adolescents’ preferences, the PEGASO F4F technology combines the functions of a self-monitoring, entertainment, advisory, and social support tool. This was the first study demonstrating that it is possible to develop a complex mobile phone-based technological system applying the principles of co-design to mHealth technology with adolescents across 3 countries. The findings from this study informed the development of an mHealth system for healthy weight promotion to be tested in a controlled multinational pilot trial.

Maternal BMI, breastfeeding and perinatal factors that influence early childhood growth trajectories: a scoping review

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kayla Y. Abrego Del Castillo ◽  
Cindy-Lee Dennis ◽  
Susan Wamithi ◽  
Laurent Briollais ◽  
Patrick O. McGowan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Growth Trajectories ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Maternal Bmi

Abstract Obesity rates among children are rapidly rising internationally and have been linked to noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. Individual preventive strategies have not effectively reduced global obesity rates, leading to a gap in clinical services regarding the development of early perinatal interventions. The objective of this scoping review is to explore the relationship between maternal BMI and breastfeeding behaviors on child growth trajectories to determine their relevance in developing interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity. The scoping review was guided and informed by the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework. A systematic search was performed in four databases. Studies included in the final review were collated and sorted into relevant themes. A systematic search yielded a total of 5831 records (MEDLINE: 1242, EMBASE: 2629, CINAHL: 820, PubMed: 1140). Results without duplicates (n = 4190) were screened based on relevancy of which 197 relevant-full-text articles were retrieved and assessed for eligibility resulting in 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and charted for the studies and six themes were identified: (1) healthy behaviors, lifestyle, and social economic status; (2) parental anthropometrics and perinatal weight status; (3) genetics, epigenetics, and fetal programming; (4) early infant feeding; (5) infant growth trajectories; and (6) targeted prevention and interventions. Early life risk factors for child obesity are multifactorial and potentially modifiable. Several at-risk groups were identified who would benefit from early preventative interventions targeting the importance of healthy weight gain, exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months, and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

An Investigation into Permissions Requested by Mobile Banking on Android Platform

2021 ◽  
pp. 745-766
Author(s):  
Latifa Er-Rajy ◽  
M. Ahmed El Kiram
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
World Population ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Man In The Middle ◽  
The World ◽  
User Data ◽  
Mobile Banking Applications

In the past, banking took place only inside bank rooms, which was a task for customers and bankers at the same time. But in our day, thanks to the high-speed development and growth of mobile technology, the mobile phone platform had the power to create great opportunities for customers of the physical bank due to its capabilities and coverage of the population; this can be proved by the number of mobile subscriptions that approximates the world population figures. In order to explore these opportunities, most banks have already launched their mobile apps or have redesigned the mobile version of their websites. Among the advantages of using mobile banking is that users have the ability to make banking transactions, online payments or transfers, anywhere and at any time. In this article, we investigated the danger of the permissions requested by mobile banking applications, their effects on sensitive user data and their relationship with the attack called “Man in the middle” and its different forms. We took Morocco as a case of study.

Ready Player Two: A randomised controlled pilot trial investigating the feasibility of using games to improve healthy lifestyle knowledge in youth (9-16 years) at risk for type two diabetes. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Maddison ◽  
Nilufar Baghaei ◽  
Amanda Jane Calder ◽  
Rinki Murphy ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Diabetes Knowledge ◽  
Game Play ◽  
Health Research Council ◽  
Randomised Controlled

UNSTRUCTURED Objective: To determine the comparative use and knowledge effects of two prototype serious games for health on healthy lifestyle knowledge in youth aged 9-16 years at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: A three-arm parallel randomized controlled pilot trial was undertaken to assess use of the game, and the effect of the game on healthy lifestyle and T2D diabetes knowledge. Participants were allocated to ‘Diabetic Jumper’ (n=7), ‘Ari and Friends’ (n=8), or a control game (n=8). All participants completed healthy lifestyle and T2D knowledge questionnaires at baseline, immediately after game play, and four weeks after game play. Game attitudes and preferences were also assessed. The primary outcome was the use of the game, specifically, the number of minutes played over four weeks. Results: There were no statistical differences in healthy lifestyle knowledge or diabetes knowledge over time or across games. Only one participant accessed the game for an extended period, playing the game for a total of 33 min over 4 weeks. Conclusion: Two prototype serious were unsuccessful at sustaining long-term play outside a clinic environment. However, the potential for these games to be used as stimulus to engage young people with healthy lifestyle and diabetes knowledge in a clinic setting should be further explored. Suggested improvements for future studies are discussed. Trial Registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619000380190. Registered 11 March 2019, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377123 Funding: The trial was funded by a Health Research Council of New Zealand Feasibility grant.

scholarly journals Supporting Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships: the role of mobile technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Mensah Asiedu ◽  
Susan Shortland ◽  
Yehia Sabri Nawar ◽  
Paul J. Jackson ◽  
Laura Baker
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Ghana ◽  
Business Confidence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to extend our knowledge through the development of a conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design used in-depth semi-structured interviews with five micro-entrepreneurship owners in the Kwahu South District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Identification of potential case firms was facilitated by a local official. Interview data were analysed thematically.FindingsMobile technology engendered pride and emotional connectedness and, being easy to use, helped to increase business confidence. Adoption advantages included improved communications with customers and business partners, and effective stock control, providing competitive advantage. Further understanding of mobile technology’s role in improving business processes is needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory research is based on five micro-entrepreneurships in one Ghanaian rural area. Further research is needed using larger samples, additional locations and sectors and larger businesses, to identify other factors influencing mobile technology adoption and associated benefits and problems.Practical implicationsGovernment policy supporting growth of informal micro-entrepreneurships using mobile phone technology could increase economic advantage. Micro-business owners need education and training in understanding business processes. Telecommunications companies can highlight technological, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in rural Ghana.Originality/valueThe paper draws upon the experiences of a range of rural-based Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships to propose a model setting out and linking the technical, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in supporting business processes.

MOBILE PHONE DEPENDENCE AND HEALTH-RELATED LIFESTYLE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1277-1284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Toda ◽  
Kazuyuki Monden ◽  
Kazuki Kubo ◽  
Kanehisa Morimoto
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Smoking Habits ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Self Rating ◽  
Health Related

This study investigated the associations between the intensity of mobile phone use and health-related lifestyle. For 275 university students, we evaluated health-related lifestyle using the Health Practice Index (HPI; Hagihara & Morimoto, 1991; Kusaka, Kondou, & Morimoto, 1992) and analyzed responses to a questionnaire (MPDQ; Toda, Monden, Kubo, & Morimoto, 2004) designed, with a self-rating scale, to gauge mobile phone dependence. For males, there was a significant relationship between smoking habits and mobile phone dependence. We also found that male respondents with low HPI scores were significantly higher for mobile phone dependence. These findings suggest that, particularly for males, the intensity of mobile phone use may be related to healthy lifestyle.

Tweeting to Health

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene E. Chung ◽  
Asheley C. Skinner ◽  
Stephanie E. Hasty ◽  
Eliana M. Perrin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Physical Activity Intensity ◽  
Sugar Sweetened Beverage ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Activity Intensity

We developed and pilot tested a mHealth intervention, “Tweeting to Health,” which used Fitbits, Twitter, and gamification to facilitate support for healthy lifestyle changes in overweight/obese (OW) and healthy weight (HW) young adults. Participants tracked activity and diet using Fitbits and used Twitter for messaging for 2 months. Physical activity, dietary intake, and Tweets were tracked and participants completed surveys at enrollment, 1 month, and 2 months. Descriptive statistics were used to examine steps/day, physical activity intensity, lifestyle changes, and total Tweets. Participants were on average 19 to 20 years old and had familiarity with Twitter. OW participants had on average 11 222 daily steps versus 11 686 (HW). One-day challenges were successful in increasing steps. Participants increased fruit/vegetable intake (92%) and decreased their sugar-sweetened beverage intake (67%). Compliance with daily Fitbit wear (99% of all days OW vs 73% HW) and daily dietary logging (82% OW vs 73% HW) and satisfaction was high.

An Exploratory Correlational Study in the Use of Mobile Technology Among Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara O’Brien ◽  
Cynthia L. Russell ◽  
Alai Tan ◽  
Mallory Washington ◽  
Donna Hathaway
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Kidney ◽  
Access Patterns ◽  
Management Of Care

Introduction: Rapidly growing use of mobile technology provides a platform for self-management of care support for those with chronic conditions. Few studies have explored the characteristics or access patterns of kidney transplant recipients who use mHealth applications (apps) for self-management of care. Research Questions: The primary aim of this study was to describe demographics, use, barriers, and perceptions of mobile apps for self-management of care among adult kidney transplants recipients. The secondary aim was to compare blood urea nitrogen, glomerular filtration rate, and number of hospitalizations among mHealth app users, other app users, and non-app users. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to administer the Mobile Application Use among Kidney Transplant Recipients Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, χ2 statistics, and analysis of variance were used for the primary aim and linear regression was used for the secondary aim. Results: The sample included mostly African American males (n = 123, 75.5%) with a mean age of 50 (13.2) years. Knowledge was the greatest barrier reported by the non-app users (mHealth app users 9%, other app users 12%, non-app users, 49%, P < .001). Significantly fewer hospitalizations were found in the mHealth app users compared to other app users (regression coefficient b = −1.2, standard error [SE] = 0.5) and non-app users ( b = −0.9, SE = 0.6), adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Discussion: Findings suggest a relationship may exist between mHealth app use and a decrease in the number of hospitalizations following kidney transplantation.

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