Using Diffusion of Innovations Theory to Encourage Workers to Make Healthy Food Choices and Engage in Physical Activity

2020 ◽  
pp. 13-26
Author(s):  
Debra N. Weiss-Randall
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Healthcare Costs ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Daunting Task ◽  
Doi Theory

Employers want workers to be as healthy as possible, to reduce absenteeism and to boost productivity. The challenge is getting employees to adopt healthy behaviors, a daunting task in our obesogenic society, which promotes a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. We are seeing an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes, two preventable diseases that impair quality of life and increase healthcare costs. Rogers' Diffusions of Innovations (DOI) theory explains how and why people adopt new behaviors. Rogers observed how some workers were resistant to change. He categorized people according to how long it took them to adopt an innovation. He found that certain attributes were characteristic of early adopters, the opinion leaders that organizations need to win over to facilitate acceptance of an innovation. This chapter explores how DOI theory can be applied to the workplace to promote healthy behaviors.

Using Diffusion of Innovations Theory to Encourage Workers to Make Healthy Food Choices and Engage in Physical Activity

2017 ◽  
pp. 1781-1793
Author(s):  
Debra N. Weiss-Randall
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Healthcare Costs ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Daunting Task ◽  
Doi Theory

Employers want workers to be as healthy as possible, to reduce absenteeism and to boost productivity. The challenge is getting employees to adopt healthy behaviors, a daunting task in our obesogenic society, which promotes a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. We are seeing an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes, two preventable diseases that impair quality of life and increase healthcare costs. Rogers' Diffusions of Innovations (DOI) theory explains how and why people adopt new behaviors. Rogers observed how some workers were resistant to change. He categorized people according to how long it took them to adopt an innovation. He found that certain attributes were characteristic of early adopters, the opinion leaders that organizations need to win over to facilitate acceptance of an innovation. This chapter explores how DOI theory can be applied to the workplace to promote healthy behaviors.

scholarly journals Intent to Adopt Video-Based Integrated Mental Health Care and the Characteristics of its Supporters: Mixed Methods Study Among General Practitioners Applying Diffusion of Innovations Theory

10.2196/23660 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e23660
Author(s):  
Markus W Haun ◽  
Isabella Stephan ◽  
Michel Wensing ◽  
Mechthild Hartmann ◽  
Mariell Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
The United States ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Adopter Categories

Background Most people with common mental disorders, including those with severe mental illness, are treated in general practice. Video-based integrated care models featuring mental health specialist video consultations (MHSVC) facilitate the involvement of specialist mental health care. However, the potential uptake by general practitioners (GPs) is unclear. Objective This mixed method preimplementation study aims to assess GPs’ intent to adopt MHSVC in their practice, identify predictors for early intent to adopt (quantitative strand), and characterize GPs with early intent to adopt based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI) theory (qualitative strand). Methods Applying a convergent parallel design, we conducted a survey of 177 GPs and followed it up with focus groups and individual interviews for a sample of 5 early adopters and 1 nonadopter. We identified predictors for intent to adopt through a cumulative logit model for ordinal multicategory responses for data with a proportional odds structure. A total of 2 coders independently analyzed the qualitative data, deriving common characteristics across the 5 early adopters. We interpreted the qualitative findings accounting for the generalized adopter categories of DOI. Results This study found that about one in two GPs (87/176, 49.4%) assumed that patients would benefit from an MHSVC service model, about one in three GPs (62/176, 35.2%) intended to adopt such a model, the availability of a designated room was the only significant predictor of intent to adopt in GPs (β=2.03, SE 0.345, P<.001), supporting GPs expected to save time and took a solution-focused perspective on the practical implementation of MHSVC, and characteristics of supporting and nonsupporting GPs in the context of MHSVC corresponded well with the generalized adopter categories conceptualized in the DOI. Conclusions A significant proportion of GPs may function as early adopters and key stakeholders to facilitate the spread of MHSVC. Indeed, our findings correspond well with increasing utilization rates of telehealth in primary care and specialist health care services (eg, mental health facilities and community-based, federally qualified health centers in the United States). Future work should focus on specific measures to foster the intention to adopt among hesitant GPs.

scholarly journals Point-of-care ultrasonography adoption in Canada: using diffusion theory and the Evaluation Tool for Ultrasound skills Development and Education (ETUDE)

CJEM ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (05) ◽  
pp. 345-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Y. Woo ◽  
Jason R. Frank ◽  
A. Curtis Lee
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasonography

ABSTRACTObjective:Point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) first appeared in the 1980s in North America, but the extent of the diffusion of its adoption is unknown. We characterized early PoCUS adoption by emergency physicians in Canada and its barriers to use using Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory.Methods:We developed a questionnaire based on a pilot study and literature review to assess past, current, and potential use of PoCUS and potential barriers to adoption. A Dillman technique for electronic surveys was used for dissemination. Using Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory, we developed and validated the Evaluation Tool for Ultrasound skills Development and Education (ETUDE). ETUDE scores allowed categorization of respondents into innovators, early adopters, majority, and nonadopters. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and x2statistics were used to analyze the data.Results:The 296 respondents (36.4% of 814 surveyed) had a median age of 40 and were 72.5% male. Adoption scores using ETUDE revealed nonadopters (18.8%), majority (28.7%), early adopters (34.5%), and innovators (18.0%). Respondents endorsed “always” using PoCUS currently and in the future for focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) (current 41.8%/future 88.4%), first trimester pregnancy (current 23.3%/future 73.7%), suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (current 32.7%/future 92.6%), basic cardiac indications (current 30.7%/future 87.5%), and central venous catheterization (current 17.0%/future 80.3%). Several barriers to PoCUS were identified for part-time emergency physicians and those working in inner-city/urban/suburban settings.Conclusion:This is the first study to determine the state of adoption and barriers to the introduction of PoCUS in Canadian emergency medicine practice. The novel validated ETUDE instrument should be used to evaluate the uptake of PoCUS over time.

The Use of Social Media by Nonprofit Organizations

2010 ◽  
pp. 473-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Waters
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Community Presence ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Economic Landscape

Nonprofit organizations are an essential part of the social, political, and economic landscape of contemporary society. Social media provide ample opportunities for these organizations to increase their community presence, impact, effectiveness, and efficiency. A qualitative study of 39 nonprofit leaders explored how nonprofits are utilizing the potential of the social media technologies to carry out their programs and services. Thematic analysis revealed that nonprofits are slowly embracing the possibilities offered by the new social interaction technologies. Most nonprofit organizations lag behind and wait to see how other nonprofits incorporate these new communication outlets into their budgets and daily operations. Paralleling Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory, innovators and early adopters are using social media to revitalize their fundraising and volunteering efforts while the majority lags behind.

Perceptions and usage of library instructional podcasts by staff and students at Universal College of Learning (UCOL)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Angela Lee Perry
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Subject Areas ◽  
Sample Set

<p>As podcasting is such a new phenomenon, little is known about its usage and perceived benefits especially in New Zealand. In addition to gathering statistics on the demographics of who uses library instructional podcasts and the technologies used, this research also offers an opportunity to fill a gap in the knowledge on the usage and perceptions of podcasting and its potential as a medium for library instruction in the future. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory provided the framework for this research. Six sample podcasts were recorded and made available via the UCOL - Universal College of Learning - web site in MP3 format. The target population for this research was staff and students of UCOL. A web based survey instrument was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data and there were 86 complete responses to the survey. Participants were self selected on a non-random basis, therefore it was not possible to stratify the sample set or generalise results. Analysis of the results showed there were differences between the groups surveyed in perceptions and use of the library instructional podcasts. The majority of respondents thought the podcasts were "very good" with 71.1% in favour of them. The most helpful podcast topics were identified and suggestions were made as to other topics the library could make podcasts in. Device ownership was investigated along with technologies required for downloading and listening to the podcasts. The preferred time and place to listen to the podcasts was ascertained and advantages and disadvantages were determined. Responses were received from a broad range of subject areas from within UCOL. The majority of respondents were found to be female and were of NZ European/Pakeha ethnicity. Comments were received as to the quality of the podcasts with suggestions for improvements for future podcasts. The conclusion reached was that podcasting for library instruction will benefit UCOL as an institution, has potential as an alternative communication medium and therefore should be pursued.</p>

scholarly journals Formation and Validation of the Healthy Diet Index (HDI) for Evaluation of Diet Quality in Healthcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2362
Author(s):  
Jaana Lindström ◽  
Kirsikka Aittola ◽  
Auli Pölönen ◽  
Katri Hemiö ◽  
Kirsti Ahonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Glycaemic Index ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Monounsaturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Counselling ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Quality In Healthcare

Lack of tools to evaluate the quality of diet impedes dietary counselling in healthcare. We constructed a scoring for a validated food intake questionnaire, to measure the adherence to a healthy diet that prevents type 2 diabetes (T2D). The Healthy Diet Index (HDI) consists of seven weighted domains (meal pattern, grains, fruit and vegetables, fats, fish and meat, dairy, snacks and treats). We studied the correlations of the HDI with nutrient intakes calculated from 7-day food records among 52 men and 25 women, and associations of HDI with biomarkers and anthropometrics among 645 men and 2455 women. The HDI correlated inversely with total fat (Pearson’s r = −0.37), saturated fat (r = −0.37), monounsaturated fat (r = −0.37), and the glycaemic index of diet (r = −0.32) and positively with carbohydrates (r = 0.23), protein (r = 0.25), fibre (r = 0.66), magnesium (r = 0.26), iron (r = 0.25), and vitamin D (r = 0.27), (p < 0.05 for all). In the linear regression model adjusted for BMI and age, HDI is associated inversely with waist circumference, concentrations of fasting and 2-h glucose and triglycerides in men and women, total and LDL cholesterol in women, and fasting insulin in men (p < 0.05 for all). The HDI proved to be a valid tool to measure adherence to a health-promoting diet and to support individualised dietary counselling.

Audience responses to online video in MENA: New favorite genres or just more of the same as on television?

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (8) ◽  
pp. 697-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Schoenbach ◽  
Marium Saeed ◽  
Robb Wood
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Audience Responses ◽  
Large Scale Survey ◽  
Using Data

How do audiences in the Middle East and North Africa respond to the dramatic expansion of content offered with the advent of online video? Rapid internet adoption in the region signifies the latest expansion of content menus available to audiences since television. In this article, we determine who—as a consequence of this expansion—diversifies their content preferences online and on traditional television, and who maintains the same preferences, regardless of platform. To answer these questions, this study applies Everett Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory, using data from a large-scale survey on media use in the Middle East and North Africa. The results reveal: In the Middle East and North Africa in 2016, classic characteristics of innovators and early adopters are no longer significant predictors that one will be receptive to different genres of content online versus on television. Instead, more significant predictors are the television landscape in one’s country, being interested in new content of all kinds, and the characteristics of the genres themselves.

scholarly journals EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECTS CARRIED OUT WITH TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS ON PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ LEVELS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
Hüseyin Artun
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Environmental Literacy ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Technological Tools ◽  
Quantitative Sample

In all parts of our daily lives, individuals meet technology and technological tools. For this reason, individuals from all professions should be knowledgeable about these concepts. One of these professions covers pre-service teachers, who are considered as to be future teachers. The aim of this research was not only to examine the influence of the projects carried out by science pre-service teachers with technological tools on their levels of environmental literacy, but also to reveal which of the innovator categories in Rogers’s (1962) Theory of Diffusion of Innovations they belonged to. In the research, the mixed research design was used since qualitative and quantitative data were required. The research sample included 110 science pre-service teachers. All the science pre-service teachers constituted the quantitative sample, while 10 randomly selected pre-service teachers formed the qualitative sample group. In the research, environmental literacy scale, semi-structured interview technique and researcher reflections were used as the data collection tools. It was found that the science pre-service teachers belonged to the categories of “Innovators” and “Early Adopters” according to Roger’s theory in terms of technology use. Key words: environmental literacy, diffusion of innovations theory, technological tools.

The Use of Social Media by Nonprofit Organizations

2010 ◽  
pp. 1420-1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Waters
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations Theory ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Community Presence ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Economic Landscape

Nonprofit organizations are an essential part of the social, political, and economic landscape of contemporary society. Social media provide ample opportunities for these organizations to increase their community presence, impact, effectiveness, and efficiency. A qualitative study of 39 nonprofit leaders explored how nonprofits are utilizing the potential of the social media technologies to carry out their programs and services. Thematic analysis revealed that nonprofits are slowly embracing the possibilities offered by the new social interaction technologies. Most nonprofit organizations lag behind and wait to see how other nonprofits incorporate these new communication outlets into their budgets and daily operations. Paralleling Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory, innovators and early adopters are using social media to revitalize their fundraising and volunteering efforts while the majority lags behind.

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