Acceptability of a Self-Regulation Theory-Based mHealth Behavior Intervention for Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Abstract

Background: The successful use of mobile health (mHealth) in lifestyle changes for older adults with type 2 diabetes is unknown. We report here acceptability of a mHealth intervention for older adults. Method: We used a one-group pre-posttest design. Participants received an 8-week theory-based mHealth intervention, using the Lose It! App for daily self-monitoring of food intake, a Fitbit, and Bluetooth-enabled glucometers and weighing scales. Linear mixed models were used for analysis. Results: The sample (N=9) was white (88.9%), female (44.4%), with a mean age of 76.4±6.0 years (range: 69-89), 15.7±2.0 years of education, BMI of 33.3±3.1 kg/m2 and HbA1c 7.4%±0.8. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was 24.6±2.7, indicating no severe cognitive impairment. Over 56 days, the % days of using the Lose It!, Fitbit, glucometer, and scales were 92.7±7.9, 93.7±10.6, 76.4±23.5, 52.4±37.8, respectively. The data showed a significant % weight loss (b=-0.04, p<.001), decreased calorie intake (b=-4.6, p=.0004) and increased steps (b1=34.0, b2=-1.0, p=.02) over time. The mean % weight loss from baseline was 4.44%±3.19. The dose of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin was reduced among 4 participants. Conclusion: Older adults are able to use mHealth to improve outcomes. The additional 3-month follow-up is ongoing to provide insight into long-term feasibility and acceptability. Disclosure Y. Zheng: None. K. Weinger: None. M.C. Gregas: None. J. Greenberg: None. Z. Li: None. L.E. Burke: None. C. Qi: None. C. Slyne: None. T. Greaves: None. M. Munshi: Consultant; Self; Sanofi.