Web-based planning tool for obesity prevention in childhood and youth – first trial period

Abstract

Abstract Background The systematic and theory-based development of interventions is complex and requires time and personnel resources. WEPI is a web-based planning tool for municipalities and schools, that follows the evidence-based intervention mapping approach (IMA) but also supports the planning process of obesity prevention user oriented. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany. Methods Data of a systematic literature review (SLR), expert interviews and focus group discussions served as the foundation for the first version of WEPI. Two further SLR were conducted in the databases Pubmed, LIVIVO and Cochrane on evidence-based determinants of obesity development and on proven obesity intervention methods, to meet the requirements of the IMA. In October 2020 the second version of WEPI was tested with selected municipalities and schools. The prototype as a third version was tested by three municipalities and two schools in February 2021. Feedback was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Results In a total of 806 hits of the first SLR, determinants for the development of obesity were identified in 8 guidelines and 37 reviews. They were adopted in form of 15 problem areas which support the WEPI user to conduct an evidence-based problem analysis. Result of the second SLR are 25 obesity prevention interventions which were developed using the IMA. Based on this, 192 evaluated methods were identified and integrated as good practice examples into WEPI. In the first trial the expert feedback revealed aspects of content and user-friendliness as well as technical aspects that should be optimized. The feedback of the municipalities and schools underlines, that scientific findings need to be translated into practical logic. Conclusions WEPI provides a comprehensive roadmap to the planning process, guiding the user step by step. Acceptance and usability of the planning tool will be evaluated with municipalities and schools from April to November 2021. Key messages WEPI enables user oriented, structured and evidence-based planning of prevention interventions. Requirements resulting from practice were considered in the development of the planning tool.