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Reducing occupational sitting time in adults with type 2 diabetes: Qualitative experiences of an office-adapted mHealth intervention

journal contribution
posted on 2023-03-06, 01:03 authored by MB Syrjälä, E Fharm, PC Dempsey, M Nordendahl, P Wennberg
Aim: Understanding barriers and facilitators for limiting occupational sitting and what impact it has on health on those with type 2 diabetes is essential for future trials and intervention development in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention using mobile health (mHealth) technology, together with counselling by a diabetes specialist nurse, to reduce occupational sitting in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in 15 participants with type 2 diabetes who completed a 3-month intervention including mHealth; activity tracker (Garmin Vivofit3) and SMS reminders, one initial face-to-face patient-centred counselling session and three telephone follow-up calls by a diabetes specialist nurse within the primary healthcare system in Sweden. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Two themes were identified: (1) ‘From baby steps to milestones’ reflecting three categories; ‘Small changes make it easier to reduce sitting’, ‘Encouraged by trustworthy coaching’, ‘Physical and mental rewards matter’ and (2) ‘Tailoring strategies that fit me and my workplace’ reflecting four categories; ‘It's up to me’, ‘Taking advantage of the support’, ‘Using creativity to find practical solutions for interrupting sitting’ and ‘Living up to expectations’. Conclusion: The intervention was perceived as feasible and acceptable in different office workplaces, and led to increased awareness of sedentary behaviour in adults with type 2 diabetes. Stepwise goal setting together with personalization of the mHealth intervention should be emphasized in individual type 2 diabetes programmes aiming to reduce workplace sitting.

History

Journal

Diabetic Medicine

Volume

38

Article number

ARTN e14514

Location

England

ISSN

0742-3071

eISSN

1464-5491

Language

English

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Issue

6

Publisher

WILEY