ASPO Abstracts
Initial reactions to a low-touch digital weight loss pilot intervention across 4 diverse cohorts.
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine initial participant perceptions of a low-touch
digital weight loss pilot intervention across four diverse cohorts at the University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center including Mano a Mano (adults of Mexican descent), Project
CHURCH (African American church members), High Risk Breast Cancer (women at
increased cancer risk), and MERIT (women aged 25-80 who receive annual mammograms).
Methods: Approximately 10 members of each cohort received a sixteen-week weight loss
intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program. The program includes emailed
lessons, motivational text messages, a Fitbit, and a Wi-Fi-connected scale. Post-intervention
surveys collected data on perceived program effectiveness, helpfulness of specific
intervention components, and satisfaction with different intervention characteristics using 5
point Likert scales. Open-text questions inquired about what participants did and did not like
about the program.
Results: Mean scores for all variables were high across cohorts, indicating satisfaction with
the program. With regard to perceived effectiveness, scores were >3.44. Concerning the
helpfulness of lesson materials, mean scores were all >3.25. With regard to helpfulness of the
Fitbit, Aria scale and associated Fitbit app/website, all mean scores were >3.75. Most
participants across cohorts indicated the program was an appropriate length, and text
messages, email, and phone contacts were adequate. Participants from the Mano a Mano
cohort tended to demonstrate slightly higher satisfaction across all variables. Open-text
responses revealed participant interest in more contact (checking in directly with study staff)
and program tailoring (specific examples, considerations for special populations), and overall
satisfaction with the Fitbit and Aria devices and text messaging elements.
Conclusions: Participant perceptions were similar across the different cohorts, suggesting the
digital weight loss program may be broadly applicable in these populations. However,
participants in all cohorts expressed some areas for improvement including the need for more
contact with health coaches and increased tailoring. These changes may increase cost in
future studies.
Keywords: weight loss digital intervention