Adding Telephone and Text Support to an Obesity Management Program Improves Behavioral Adherence and Clinical Outcomes. A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Date
2019
Authors
Lewis, Emily
Huang, Carol
Hassmén, Peter
Welvaert, Marijke
Pumpa, Kate L
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc.
Abstract
Background
Behavioral treatment strategies improve adherence to lifestyle intervention for adults with obesity, but can be time and resource intensive when delivered via traditional face-to-face care. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and optimal timing of using telephone calls and text message as adjunctive tools to support a community-based obesity management program.
Method
This 8-month randomized controlled crossover trial recruited 61 adults with class III obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) enrolled in a publicly funded obesity management service (OMS). Participants were randomly assigned to receive telephone and text message support in addition to standard OMS care, or standard OMS care alone. After 4 months, participants crossed over to the alternative sequence. The technological support was based on self-determination theory. Outcome measures included diet, physical activity, anthropometry, self-efficacy, and treatment self-regulation.
Results
Telephone and text message support improved lifestyle intervention adherence and clinical outcomes when compared with standard care. Participants who received the intervention in the first 4-month period lost 4.87 kg, compared with no weight loss (+ 0.38 kg) in the standard care only group. There was no evidence to indicate an optimal timing of the intervention, with both groups achieving significant results by the end of the intervention.
Conclusion
These results suggest a high degree of promise for the incorporation of telephone and text message support into community-based obesity management services. The findings have the potential to improve existing practices and reduce the burden on the health care system by demonstrating a resource-effective improvement to obesity management service delivery.
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Keywords
Obesity, Behavioral treatment, Technology, Text message, Telephone, mHealth, Telehealth, Adherence, Compliance, Weight loss
Citation
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Source
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2099-12-31
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