Promoting healthy teenage behaviour across three European countries through the use of a novel smartphone technology platform, PEGASO fit for future: study protocol of a quasi-experimental, controlled, multi-Centre trial.

Rajeeb Rashid, Mireia Espallargues, Conxa Castell, Lucy McCloughan, Janet Hanley, Valentina Ciociola, Claudio L Lafortuna, Sarah Atkinson, Maurizio Caon, Elisa Puigdomenech, Laura Condon, Federica Prinelli, Brian McKinstry, Santiago Felipe Gomez, Fulvio Adorni, Alexandra Lang, Anne Martin

Journal: BMC medical informatics and decision making 2020;19(1):278

PMID: 31847919

Free Full Text on BioMed Central View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity, diet, sleep and sedentary behaviour of teenagers show promise when delivered through smartphones. However, to date there is no evidence of effectiveness of multicomponent smartphone-based interventions. Utilising a user-centred design approach, we developed a theory-based, multi-dimensional system, PEGASO Fit For Future (PEGASO F4F), which exploits sophisticated game mechanics involving smartphone applications, a smartphone game and activity sensors to motivate teenagers to take an active role in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This paper describes the study protocol to assess the feasibility, usability and effectiveness (knowledge/awareness and behavioural change in lifestyle) of the PEGASO system.

METHODS

We are conducting a quasi-experimental controlled cluster trial in 4 sites in Spain, Italy, and UK (England, Scotland) over 6 months. We plan to recruit 525, in a 2:1 basis, teenagers aged 13-16 years from secondary schools. The intervention group is provided with the PEGASO system whereas the comparison group continues their usual educational routine. Outcomes include feasibility, acceptance, and usability of the PEGASO system as well as between and within group changes in motivation, self-reported diet, physical activity, sedentary and sleeping behaviour, anthropometric measures and knowledge about a healthy lifestyle.

DISCUSSION

PEGASO F4F will provide evidence into the cross-cultural similarities and differences in the feasibility, acceptability and usability of a multi-dimensional smartphone based behaviour change intervention for teenagers. The study will explore facilitating factors, challenges and barriers of engaging teenagers to adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle when using smartphone technology. Positive results from this ICT based multi component intervention may have significant implications both at clinical level, improving teenagers health and at public health level since it can present an influential tool against the development of chronic disease during adulthood.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov Registration number: NCT02930148, registered 4 October 2016.

Address: Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS), Catalan Department of Health, Roc Boronat 81-95, 2nd floor, 08005, Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].; Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Roc Boronat 81-95, 2nd floor, 08005, Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].; MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 200 Renfield Street, G2 3AX, Glasgow, UK.; Human Factors Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK.; National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate (MI), Italy.; Programs Department Gasol Foundation, 26-28 Jaume I street, 08830, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain.; GREpS. Health Education Research Group,Nursing and Phisiotherapy Department, University of Lleida, 2 Montserrat Roig street, 25198, Lleida, Spain.; Usher Institute,University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, NINE Edinburgh BioQuarter, 9 Little France Road, EH16 4UX, Edinburgh, UK.; PRISM Research Group, Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Room 1404, Tower Building, University Park, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK.; Deanery of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, UK.; College of Engineering & School of Management, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), chemin du musée 4n, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.; Human Factors Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK.; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milano, Italy.; School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Court, EH41 3ND, Edinburgh, UK.; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, NINE Edinburgh BioQuarter, 9 Little France Road, EH16 4UX, Edinburgh, UK.; Catalonia Public Health Agency, Catalan Department of Health, Roc Boronat 81-95, 3rd floor, 08005, Barcelona, Spain.; Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS), Catalan Department of Health, Roc Boronat 81-95, 2nd floor, 08005, Barcelona, Spain.; Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Roc Boronat 81-95, 2nd floor, 08005, Barcelona, Spain.

DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-0958-x

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MeSH Terms: Adolescent, Adolescent Behavior, Europe, Female, Health Behavior, Health Promotion, Humans, Male, Mobile Applications, Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Smartphone