Using the Internet to Effectively Promote Physical Activity in People with Type 2 Diabetes in the Highlands: A Patient’s Perspective
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Abstract
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a chronic condition caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin, is the most common form of diabetes affecting between 5-7% of the UK population. Lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in the management of T2DM with those who are regularly active gaining several improvements in health. Compared to other self-management behaviours, people with diabetes often report the lowest self-efficacy for physical activity (PA). With health care professionals (HCP) unsure of how to effectively advise and promote PA this often restricts the advice given. Previous research supports the use of web-based technological interventions to promote physical activity in diabetes management, provided they are supported with tailored plans, professional support and additional components.
Objective: The present study aims to identify key ideas in the design and development of a web based physical activity promotion tool aimed at people diagnosed with T2DM who live in remote or rural locations.
Methods: Focus groups were conducted with adults diagnosed with T2DM (30) and diabetes related HCP (6) in rural areas. Each group was conducted by a trained moderator using a semi structured interview guide to determine key features and components of a physical activity intervention website. The sessions were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using the NVivo qualitative analysis program.
Results: Key themes which were identified in the groups were; the role of the internet in health promotion, design and content of an effective website and interactive components to promote engagement. The groups revealed they regularly use the internet to look up information on diabetes as it is easily accessible but deemed it to be heavy going and found it difficult to find accurate PA advice related to their condition. More accurate information on why a person with T2DM should increase their activity is needed in order to personalise the website and motivate a change of behaviour. Already existing websites gave vague advice on PA benefits which was not detailed enough to promote changes. The groups highlighted the need for tools to track behaviour as well as motivate them into being more active stating the need for a virtual person to ‘answer to’. People revealed that they were not as active as they wanted to be as they were unaware of physical activity opportunities in their area.
Conclusions:A website which focusses primarily on PA and the role it plays in diabetes would increase user engagement. An increase in detailed advice on how the body responds to PA in terms of insulin sensitivity and blood glucose will be given to highlight the benefits of becoming more active with T2DM. It will use tools such as a PA tracker and email prompts to monitor behaviour. The website will be personified through the use of a ‘virtual trainer’ who will give support, advice and help set up goals. An interactive map which contains physical activity opportunities in local areas will be developed to increase knowledge of local facilities and clubs.
Objective: The present study aims to identify key ideas in the design and development of a web based physical activity promotion tool aimed at people diagnosed with T2DM who live in remote or rural locations.
Methods: Focus groups were conducted with adults diagnosed with T2DM (30) and diabetes related HCP (6) in rural areas. Each group was conducted by a trained moderator using a semi structured interview guide to determine key features and components of a physical activity intervention website. The sessions were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using the NVivo qualitative analysis program.
Results: Key themes which were identified in the groups were; the role of the internet in health promotion, design and content of an effective website and interactive components to promote engagement. The groups revealed they regularly use the internet to look up information on diabetes as it is easily accessible but deemed it to be heavy going and found it difficult to find accurate PA advice related to their condition. More accurate information on why a person with T2DM should increase their activity is needed in order to personalise the website and motivate a change of behaviour. Already existing websites gave vague advice on PA benefits which was not detailed enough to promote changes. The groups highlighted the need for tools to track behaviour as well as motivate them into being more active stating the need for a virtual person to ‘answer to’. People revealed that they were not as active as they wanted to be as they were unaware of physical activity opportunities in their area.
Conclusions:A website which focusses primarily on PA and the role it plays in diabetes would increase user engagement. An increase in detailed advice on how the body responds to PA in terms of insulin sensitivity and blood glucose will be given to highlight the benefits of becoming more active with T2DM. It will use tools such as a PA tracker and email prompts to monitor behaviour. The website will be personified through the use of a ‘virtual trainer’ who will give support, advice and help set up goals. An interactive map which contains physical activity opportunities in local areas will be developed to increase knowledge of local facilities and clubs.
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