Prototype of an App Designed to Support Self-Management for Health Behaviors and Weight in Women Living With Breast Cancer: Qualitative User Experience Study
2024

App for Women with Breast Cancer to Manage Health and Weight

Sample size: 8 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jackie Bender, I-Ching Hou, Shuqing Liu, Phillippa Lally, Christine N May, Siobhan E Mitchell, Meaghan McCallum, Andreas Michaelides, Abigail Fisher

Primary Institution: University College London

Hypothesis

Can a prototype app with peer and coach support help women living with breast cancer manage their health behaviors and weight?

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer found the app appealing for support in behavior change and weight management, but many features need further development.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants expressed a strong desire for support, especially around weight loss.
  • The app was seen as more appropriate for those still undergoing active treatments.
  • Participants wanted more tailored content specific to breast cancer experiences.
  • The tracking features of the app were popular among participants.

Takeaway

The study looked at an app designed to help women with breast cancer manage their health and weight, and the women liked it but wanted more features.

Methodology

Participants used the app for 4 weeks and took part in qualitative interviews about their experiences.

Potential Biases

Interviews were conducted by a member of Noom, which could introduce bias.

Limitations

The sample was small and predominantly white, married, and employed women, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

{"mean_age":45,"race":{"white":7,"mixed_race":1},"education":{"graduate_degree_or_above":6,"high_school_or_GED":2},"marital_status":"all married","employment":{"full_time":5,"part_time":3},"cancer_stage":{"localized":6,"metastatic":2},"mean_months_since_diagnosis":32}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2196/48170

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