TY - JOUR
T1 - "It helps me to stay on the right path, rather than give in"
T2 - Mixed-method process evaluation of the ImpulsePal app-based intervention for weight management
AU - van Beurden, Samantha B
AU - Greaves, Colin J
AU - Abraham, Charles
AU - Lawrence, Natalia S
AU - Smith, Jane R
N1 - Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2023.
PY - 2023/12/18
Y1 - 2023/12/18
N2 - BACKGROUND: Empirical research indicates that impulsive processes that operate below conscious monitoring can undermine peoples' attempts to change behaviour patterns, especially those that have become habitual. This may, therefore, be a serious challenge for those trying to lose weight. A novel smartphone app-based intervention (ImpulsePal) offers practical strategies to manage impulsive urges to facilitate reductions in the consumption of energy-dense processed food and overeating.AIM: This process evaluation of ImpulsePal aimed to explore what was delivered/received and used, mechanisms of action, and potential contextual factors impacting intervention engagement and outcomes.METHODS: A mixed-methods process evaluation, with composite analysis of the quantitative (app usage statistics) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews), was conducted alongside a feasibility randomised controlled trial with individuals with a body mass index of at least 25 kg/m 2 who wanted to lose weight. RESULTS: Of 58 participants receiving ImpulsePal, 56 had successfully shared app usage statistics, and 36 (62%) were interviewed. Although usage statistics indicated reductions in the use of some features, interviews indicated that participants were still using app-recommended strategies without requiring them to open ImpulsPal. Overall, interviews highlighted that participants valued having access to in-the-moment support, felt more aware of their own eating behaviour and influences on it, and felt an increased ability to avoid and reconceptualise, in-the-moment temptations.CONCLUSION: This process evaluation offers support for a logic model suggesting that impulse management, using ImpulsePal, can promote healthier eating among those motivated to lose weight. It also highlights the necessity of using multimodal methods to explore the delivery and use of digital interventions.
AB - BACKGROUND: Empirical research indicates that impulsive processes that operate below conscious monitoring can undermine peoples' attempts to change behaviour patterns, especially those that have become habitual. This may, therefore, be a serious challenge for those trying to lose weight. A novel smartphone app-based intervention (ImpulsePal) offers practical strategies to manage impulsive urges to facilitate reductions in the consumption of energy-dense processed food and overeating.AIM: This process evaluation of ImpulsePal aimed to explore what was delivered/received and used, mechanisms of action, and potential contextual factors impacting intervention engagement and outcomes.METHODS: A mixed-methods process evaluation, with composite analysis of the quantitative (app usage statistics) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews), was conducted alongside a feasibility randomised controlled trial with individuals with a body mass index of at least 25 kg/m 2 who wanted to lose weight. RESULTS: Of 58 participants receiving ImpulsePal, 56 had successfully shared app usage statistics, and 36 (62%) were interviewed. Although usage statistics indicated reductions in the use of some features, interviews indicated that participants were still using app-recommended strategies without requiring them to open ImpulsPal. Overall, interviews highlighted that participants valued having access to in-the-moment support, felt more aware of their own eating behaviour and influences on it, and felt an increased ability to avoid and reconceptualise, in-the-moment temptations.CONCLUSION: This process evaluation offers support for a logic model suggesting that impulse management, using ImpulsePal, can promote healthier eating among those motivated to lose weight. It also highlights the necessity of using multimodal methods to explore the delivery and use of digital interventions.
KW - Impulsive processes
KW - behaviour change < lifestyle
KW - process evaluation
KW - mixed methods < studies
KW - weight management
KW - eating behaviour
KW - digital health < general
U2 - 10.1177/20552076231220806
DO - 10.1177/20552076231220806
M3 - Article
C2 - 38130800
SN - 2055-2076
VL - 9
JO - Digital Health
JF - Digital Health
ER -