Development of a Healthy Lifestyle Mobile App for Overweight Pregnant Women: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.9718
• Publication Date: 2017-12-25T22:34:52Z
• Authors: Ying Lau; Ling Jie Cheng; Claudia Chi; Cammy Tsai; Kai Wen Ong; Sarah Su Tin Ho-Lim; Wei Wang; Kian-Lee Tan
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

BACKGROUND Mobile apps are becoming an increasingly ubiquitous platform for delivery of health behavior interventions among overweight and obese perinatal women. However, only a few methodological guidelines on integrating theory, evidence, and qualitative research for their designs are available.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a theory-based, evidence-driven, and user-centered healthy lifestyle app targeting overweight and obese multiethnic pregnant women.

METHODS This paper illustrates how intervention development may be enriched with theoretical basis, systematic review, and qualitative study. An individual face-to-face interview was performed to incorporate the user’s involvement in the design. These interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Thematic analysis technique was used for emerging themes.

RESULTS Integrated concepts of social cognitive theory of self-regulation, self-regulation model, and strength model of self-control were selected as bases of the intervention. Evidence from our systematic review and meta-analysis provided the strongest evidence for the development of intervention. We invited 16 obese or overweight pregnant women to participate in a semistructured interview . The following key themes emerged: content, platform, interactivity, format, and functionality. Apps are a favorable technology platform for healthy diet advice, appropriate physical exercise, and weight management because they are user-friendly and convenient. The app used in this study contains culture-specific, pregnancy-related, and credible contents, including educational, professional and peer support, and self-monitoring domains. The design should include aesthetic appeal, visualized features, and interactive multimedia.

CONCLUSIONS A 3-step process integrating theoretical basis, evidence from systematic review, and research findings from target users can be considered a guide for future app development.