Socio-ecological approach to the development of user-centered design consumer health technologies for adolescent obesity self-management

Background: Multiple levels of influence from the socio-ecological model are thought to contribute to the increased prevalence of adolescent obesity. Consumer health technologies (CHT) have been shown to be effective for self-management of behaviors that contribute to obesity. The use of the mobile phone platform is particularly promising. Adolescents are heavy users of mobile phones and other technologies, yet their specific needs and preferences have not been assessed. Objective/Purpose: Identify key goals, functionality, and design requirements for smart phone or web-based applications aimed at promoting evidence-based behaviors for adolescent obesity self-management. Methods: Focus groups with overweight and obese adolescents and in-depth interviews with pediatricians and parents of overweight and obese adolescents were utilized as part of a user-centered design approach for the development of adolescent obesity CHT applications. Constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Social-Cognitive Theory, and Persuasive Design Theory were used to develop focus group and interview protocols. Results: Parents and adolescents expressed intent to co-use CHT applications. Pediatricians expressed intent to adopt limited use of CHT applications into practice. Adolescents, parents, and pediatricians perceived the ability to use CHT applications for self-monitoring of food and exercise behaviors as most useful for weight management. The ability to engage in social networking, learn how to cook, and receive guidance on restaurant menu selection were additional features of CHT applications perceived to be useful by parents and adolescents. Adolescents perceived interactive persuasive design features to motivate them to continue to engage in healthy weight management behaviors. Discussion/Conclusions: Adoption of CHT adolescent obesity applications at multiple levels of the socio-ecological model may prevent further adolescent obesity severity as well as result in reciprocal determinism of some weight management behaviors between co-users. Prototype and usability testing are required next steps before such effectiveness can be determined.