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Huang G, Zhou E. Time to Work Out! Examining the Behavior Change Techniques and Relevant Theoretical Mechanisms that Predict the Popularity of Fitness Mobile Apps with Chinese-Language User Interfaces. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:1502-1512. [PMID: 30040501 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1500434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Eyeing the huge potential mHealth market in China, developers both inside and outside of China have created an increasing number of fitness mobile applications with Chinese-language user interfaces. The present study analyzes the content of those fitness mobile apps (N = 177), with a particular focus on their behavior change techniques and relevant theoretical mechanisms. It finds that three theoretical mechanisms, modeling/observational learning, self-regulation, and social comparison/social support, are prevalent among fitness mobile apps with Chinese-language user interfaces. Moreover, based on the configurations of the behavior change techniques, three distinct clusters are identified: "instructional apps" (N = 75), "self-regulation apps" (N = 58), and "triathlon apps" (N = 44). Among them, "triathlon apps" equipped with technical features reflecting all three theoretical mechanisms are found to be the most popular among users. This suggests the usefulness of health behavior change theories in promoting physical activity via mobile apps in that the inclusion of more theoretical content in the app design enhances the app's effectiveness. More theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxiong Huang
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
| | - Enze Zhou
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
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Leavy JE, Rosenberg M, Bull FC, Bauman AE. Who do we reach? Campaign evaluation of Find Thirty every day® using awareness profiles in a Western Australian cohort. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2014; 19:853-869. [PMID: 24512002 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2013.837560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mass media campaigns are part of a comprehensive, population-based approach to communicate physical activity behavior change. Campaign awareness is the most frequently reported, short-term comparable measure of campaign effectiveness. Most mass media campaigns report those who were aware with those who are unaware of campaigns. Few campaigns follow awareness in the same respondent, over time, during a mass media campaign to track different patterns of awareness or awareness profiles--"never," "early," "late," or "always"--that may emerge. Using awareness profiles, the authors (a) address any demographic differences between groups and (b) assess changes in physical activity. Find Thirty every day® was a populationwide mass media campaign delivered in Western Australia. The cohort comprised 405 participants, who completed periodic telephone interviews over 2 years. Almost one third (30.4%) were "never aware" of the campaign. More than one third recalled the campaign at one or more time points--"early aware." Ten percent became aware at Time 2 and stayed aware of the campaign across the remaining time. Examining within and across the awareness profiles, only gender was significant. This article provides an approach to profiling awareness, whereby people cycle in and out and few people are "always aware" over a 2-year period. It presents possible implications and considerations for future campaign planners interested in establishing and maintaining campaign awareness with adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine E Leavy
- a Center for the Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
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Després JP, Alméras N, Gauvin L. Worksite health and wellness programs: Canadian achievements & prospects. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2013; 56:484-92. [PMID: 24607012 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Canada has experienced a substantial reduction in mortality related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a general consensus that more effective and widespread health promotion interventions may lead to further reductions in CVD risk factors and actual disease states. In this paper, we briefly outline the prevalence of selected risk factors for CVD in Canada, describe characteristics of the Canadian labor market and workforce, and depict what is known about health and wellness program delivery systems in Canadian workplaces. Our review indicates that there have been numerous and diverse relevant legislative and policy initiatives to create a context conducive to improve the healthfulness of Canadian workplaces. However, there is still a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of the delivery system and the actual impact of workplace health and wellness programs in reducing CVD risk in Canada. Thus, while a promising model, more research is needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Després
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Natalie Alméras
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Gauvin
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Rovniak LS, Sallis JF, Kraschnewski JL, Sciamanna CN, Kiser EJ, Ray CA, Chinchilli VM, Ding D, Matthews SA, Bopp M, George DR, Hovell MF. Engineering online and in-person social networks to sustain physical activity: application of a conceptual model. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:753. [PMID: 23945138 PMCID: PMC3844372 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of physical inactivity compromise the health status of populations globally. Social networks have been shown to influence physical activity (PA), but little is known about how best to engineer social networks to sustain PA. To improve procedures for building networks that shape PA as a normative behavior, there is a need for more specific hypotheses about how social variables influence PA. There is also a need to integrate concepts from network science with ecological concepts that often guide the design of in-person and electronically-mediated interventions. Therefore, this paper: (1) proposes a conceptual model that integrates principles from network science and ecology across in-person and electronically-mediated intervention modes; and (2) illustrates the application of this model to the design and evaluation of a social network intervention for PA. METHODS/DESIGN A conceptual model for engineering social networks was developed based on a scoping literature review of modifiable social influences on PA. The model guided the design of a cluster randomized controlled trial in which 308 sedentary adults were randomly assigned to three groups: WalkLink+: prompted and provided feedback on participants' online and in-person social-network interactions to expand networks for PA, plus provided evidence-based online walking program and weekly walking tips; WalkLink: evidence-based online walking program and weekly tips only; Minimal Treatment Control: weekly tips only. The effects of these treatment conditions were assessed at baseline, post-program, and 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was accelerometer-measured PA. Secondary outcomes included objectively-measured aerobic fitness, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and neighborhood walkability; and self-reported measures of the physical environment, social network environment, and social network interactions. The differential effects of the three treatment conditions on primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed using general linear modeling (GLM), or generalized linear modeling if the assumptions for GLM cannot be met. DISCUSSION Results will contribute to greater understanding of how to conceptualize and implement social networks to support long-term PA. Establishing social networks for PA across multiple life settings could contribute to cultural norms that sustain active living. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01142804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza S Rovniak
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - James F Sallis
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Kraschnewski
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Christopher N Sciamanna
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kiser
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Chester A Ray
- Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Vernon M Chinchilli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ding Ding
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen A Matthews
- Departments of Sociology, Anthropology, and Demography, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Melissa Bopp
- Department of Kinesiology, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Daniel R George
- Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Melbourne F Hovell
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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