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Participant Perceptions on a Fitbit and Facebook Intervention for Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Among cancer survivors, physical activity (PA) is associated with reductions in cancer recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. Most young adult (YA) survivors do not attain adequate PA. Digital modalities, specifically wearable activity monitors with a paired mobile application and private social media group for support offer a promising approach for promoting PA among YAs. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of this intervention. To evaluate its acceptability and perceptions of the intervention components, we conducted qualitative interviews with those in the intervention. The results of our interviews serve to refine future interventions to better serve this population. Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews with 13 YA cancer survivors ages 20-39 who participated in the intervention assessed perceptions of the digital components of the study and buddy system of nominating a friend to participate in PA with the survivor. Analyses included a qualitative thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and coded interview segments into three predetermined categories: facilitators, limitations, and suggestions. Results: Participants described wide-ranging benefits of the intervention, citing the Fitbit device and buddy system as major motivators to engage in PA and reach goals. Most participants noted feelings of increased physical and emotional wellness. The most-cited limitation of the intervention was the automated text messages, which participants found impersonal. Suggestions for improvement included integrating more elements of competition and group challenges. Conclusion: This digital PA intervention was perceived as feasible and acceptable to YA cancer survivors and appears promising for promoting PA and improving long-term health and quality of life. Clinicaltrial.gov identifier number: NCT03233581; Date of registration: July 28, 2017.

SUBMITTER: Miropolsky EM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7476378 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundIndividuals diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 40 years (young-onset melanoma survivors) and their first-degree relatives (FDRs) are a growing population at risk for developing recurrent melanoma or new melanomas. Regular surveillance using clinical skin examination (CSE) and skin self-examination (SSE) and engagement in preventive behaviors including sun protection are recommended. Given the growing population of survivors and their families who are at increased risk, it is surprising that no behavioral interventions have been developed and evaluated to improve risk-reduction behaviors.ObjectiveWe describe the rationale and methodology for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a Facebook intervention providing information, goal setting, and peer support to increase CSE, SSE, and sun protection for young-onset melanoma survivors and their FDRs.MethodsOverall, 577 survivors and 577 FDRs will be randomly assigned to either the Young Melanoma Family Facebook Group or the Melanoma Family Healthy Lifestyle Facebook Group condition. Participants will complete measures of CSE, SSE, and sun protection, and mediator measures of attitudes and beliefs before and after the intervention. The primary aim is to evaluate the impact of the Young Melanoma Family Facebook intervention versus the Melanoma Family Healthy Lifestyle Facebook intervention on CSE, SSE frequency and comprehensiveness, and sun protection among FDRs. The secondary aims examine the efficacy of the Young Melanoma Family Facebook intervention on survivors' SSE frequency and comprehensiveness and sun protection behaviors and mechanisms of intervention efficacy for intervention impact on FDR and survivor outcomes. The exploratory aim is to evaluate the efficacy of the 2 interventions on perceived stress, physical activity, and healthy eating.ResultsThis project was funded by the National Institutes of Health (R01CA221854). The project began in May 2018, and recruitment started in January 2019. We anticipate completing enrollment by November 2023. Power calculations recommended a sample size of 577 survivors and 577 FDRs. Multilevel modeling treating family as the upper-level sampling unit and individual as the lower-level sampling unit will be the primary data analytic approach. Fixed effect predictors in these models will include condition, role, sex, all 2- and 3-way interactions, and covariates.ConclusionsThe Young Melanoma Family Facebook intervention aims to improve primary and secondary skin cancer prevention for young-onset melanoma survivors and their family members. The intervention's delivery via a popular, freely available social media platform increases its impact because of the potential for dissemination in many contexts. If efficacious, this program could be disseminated by dermatologist practices, public health or nonprofit organizations focused on melanoma, and existing melanoma and skin cancer Facebook groups, thereby expanding its reach. This project will produce a content library of posts and a moderation guide for others.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03677739; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03677739.International registered report identifier (irrid)DERR1-10.2196/39640.

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Participant Perceptions on a Fitbit and Facebook Intervention for Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

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