EFFECT OF ONLINE MESSAGING INTERVENTION TO ENGAGE ADULTS FROM THE QATAR COMMUNITY IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

In Qatar, physical inactivity amongst 18-64 years old adults is at risk of NCD diseases (obesity (41.4%), high cholesterol level (21.9%), diabetes (6.7%), low participation in physical activity (63.3%), with annual mortality due to physical inactivity of 9. 3% and 36.8%. not meeting current national physical activity recommendations. This study evaluates the effect of online messaging intervention and walking program to engage adults from Qatar community in PA. The concept of online messaging intervention as motivation and awareness of PA in Qatar is explored. Randomized pretest-posttest experimental study method with a follow-up period of 16 weeks was applied to a total of 299 healthy adults (18 to 64 years) in SIH community settings (143 adults control group, 156 adults experiment group, 68 (22.7%) adults IPAQ participants). Evaluation of PA levels and daily steps from pedometers and mob app classified into categories. Evaluation of IPAQ results calculated as MET minutes per week. The walking program combined with online messaging motivated a percentage of 22.7% of adults to continue an active lifestyle, at 16 weeks of follow-up. Self-rated PA level similar to data reported by pedometers demonstrates that adults in the IPAQ group (68 (22.7%)) have a good PA awareness. The statistical findings demonstrate that walking in combination with online messaging programs implemented among adults in the Qatari community can increase awareness of the health benefits of physical activity by forming the basis of an active lifestyle.