Search results for "Behavior change"

Collaborative Assessment of Information Provider's Reliability and Expertise Using Subjective Logic

2011

QA each user can individually estimate the expertise and the reliability of her peers using her direct interactions with them and our framework. The online SN (OSN), which can be considered as a distributed database, performs continuous data aggregation for users expertise and reliability assessment in order to reach a consensus. We emulate a Q&A SN to examine various performance aspects of our algorithm (e.g., convergence time, responsiveness etc.). Our evaluations indicate that it can accurately assess the reliability and the expertise of a user with a small number of samples and can successfully react to the latter's behavior change, provided that the cognitive traits hold in practice.

Usage of Facebook- and Anonymous Forum–Based Peer Support Groups Online and Their Influence on Perceived Social Support Types in Weight Loss

2016

This paper contributes to the discussion on health behavior change support systems by examining one of the persuasive software features, social support. The paper studies the influence of structural social support on functional social support types in the online environment. Specifically, the paper examines the frequency of using two different kinds of online social platforms (online forums and Facebook groups) that are used to facilitate peer social support in weight loss and their influence on perceived functional social support types (emotional, informational, and instrumental). The results show that frequent use of Facebook based support peer group facilitates perceived emotional, infor…

Gamification and Behavior Change Techniques in Diabetes Self-Management Apps

2019

Background: Diabetes management apps may have positive effects on diabetes self-management. It remains unclear, however, which app features are particularly effective and encourage sustained app usage. Behavior change techniques (BCTs) and gamification are promising approaches to improve user engagement. However, little is known about the frequency BCTs and gamification techniques (GTs) are actually used. This app review aims to provide an overview of BCTs and GTs in current diabetes management apps. Methods: Google’s Play Store was searched for applications using a broad search strategy (keyword: “diabetes”). We limited our research to freely available apps. A total of 56 apps matched the …

The effect of individualized, theory-based counselling intervention on active aging and quality of life among older people (the AGNES intervention st…

2020

Abstract Background We define active aging as a striving for activities as per one’s goals, capacities and opportunities. Aim To test the 1-year counselling intervention effects on active aging. Methods In this two-arm single-blinded randomized controlled trial, the intervention group received individually tailored counselling supporting autonomous motivation for active life (one face-to-face session, four phone calls and supportive written material, n = 101) and the control group written health information (n = 103). Participants were community-dwelling men and women aged 75 or 80 years with intermediate mobility function and without cognitive impairment. The primary outcome was active agi…

Changes in Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity Among Finnish Working-Age Men in the Adventures of Joe Finn Campaign

2018

This study evaluated changes in psychosocial factors and self-reported physical activity (PA) among the sample of Finnish men who underwent the fitness tests during the national health campaign. Another aim was to examine whether the fitness test feedback was a meaningful experience for PA change. Baseline data were collected in 2011 by fitness test and questionnaire. Men who had low/moderate fitness along with overweight ( n = 361) were recruited to the postcampaign study in 2014. Data were analyzed with nonparametric tests, logistic regression analysis, and content analysis. The postcampaign survey was completed by 102 men. Positive PA change was associated with high goals, planning skil…

The effects of academic stress on health behaviors in young adults

1996

Abstract The present study examined changes in health behaviors as a function of academic stress. One-hundred and thirty-three college undergraduate students completed measures of stress, affect, and health-behaviors during times of low and high academic demands. During the high-stress period, negative affect increased and positive affect decreased significantly, while health behaviors deteriorated. The strongest decrements were observed for exercise. Generally, women scored higher on “routine health behaviors” (i.e., self-care, vehicle safety, drug avoidance), but not on behaviors requiring effort (i.e., exercise, healthy nutrition). Distinct patterns of changes in health behaviors and aff…

Discussing lifestyle behaviors: perspectives and experiences of general practitioners

2019

Background: Initiatives aimed at increasing participation in preventive health behaviors has been identified as a priority for addressing the increasing incidence of non-communicable chronic disease. General practice is an existing network that can be leveraged to intervene and promote messages for health behavior change. We aimed to explore the extent to which ‘lifestyle’ behaviors are discussed by general practitioners (GPs) with their patients in their practices, and the context and content of these discussions. Methods: GPs (N = 26) practising in Australian clinics participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Results showe…

Predicting physical activity change in cancer survivors: an application of the Health Action Process Approach

2021

Internet based exercise management system for worksite exercise and well-being intervention

2012

Reijo Kangas. 2012. Internet based exercise management system for worksite exercise and well-being intervention. University of Jyväskylä. Department of Sport Sciences, Master’s thesis in Sport and Exercise Psychology, 105 pages. The studies of exercise motivation theories can be used for the requirements of exercise management software systems. User-friendly mobile and web applications may wake up people’s interest of their own awareness of unhealthy manners like obesity, sedentary behavior and possible mental health problems of inactivity. The aim of the present study was to plan, organize and evaluate an internet based exercise intervention for workers. Other purpose of the study was to o…

Nuadu Concept for personal management of lifestyle related health risks

2008

Majority of the health risks and diseases in the modern world are related to lifestyles, e.g., overweight, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, sleep deprivation, and stress. Behavioral change towards healthy lifestyles is the key to the prevention and management of these risks, but early and efficient interventions are scarcely available. We present the Nuadu Concept, an ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) assisted wellness toolbox for the management of multiple, behavior-originated health risks. The concept is based on psychological models, which provide methods and motivation for behavior change. The individual is considered as the best expert of his/her own wellness. Thus, …