Process Evaluation of a Personality Targeted Intervention for Addictive Eating in Australian Adults

Abstract

Addictive eating prevalence is estimated at 15–20% in studied populations, and is associated with concurrent mental health conditions and eating disorders as well as overweight and obesity. However, few evidence-based interventions targeting addictive eating are available. The further development of evidence-based interventions requires assessment of intervention feasibility and efficacy. This study aimed to determine the feasibility, including intervention delivery and program acceptability, of FoodFix; a personality targeted intervention for the treatment of addictive eating behaviours in Australian adults. Participants (n = 52) were randomised to intervention (n = 26) or wait-list control groups (n = 26) and received three personalised telehealth sessions with an Accredited Practising Dietitian over seven weeks. Intervention delivery was assessed by tracking adherence to scheduled timing of intervention sessions. Program acceptability of participants was assessed via an online process evaluation survey and program acceptability of intervention providers was assessed via semi-structured phone interviews. In total, 79% of participants adhered to scheduled timing for session two and 43% for session three, defined as within one week (before/after) of the scheduled date. Further, 21% of participants completed the process evaluation survey (n = 11). The majority of participants were extremely/very satisfied with FoodFix (n = 7, 63%). Intervention providers (n = 2) expressed that they felt adequately trained to deliver the intervention, and that the overall session format, timing, and content of FoodFix was appropriate for participants. These findings highlight the importance of assessing intervention feasibility to further understand intervention efficacy.

Dietary and quality‐of‐life outcomes of the FoodFix intervention for addictive eating: a short report

“…Despite these findings, the current study is highly novel, including delivery by online methods, taking a nondiet approach and applying a brief intervention/substance use treatment framework to food intake. The results in the current study, coupled with qualitative feedback, 48 can help guide future interventions to include a more intensive approach through more sessions and the inclusion of content for other lifestyle factors contributing to dietary intake, such as physical activity and sleep. The study highlights the issue of changes in control groups, and this is highly relevant and consistent with other studies in addictive eating, where blinding of intervention or recruitment could be useful.…”

Designing an online intervention for adults with addictive eating: a qualitative integrated knowledge translation approach

“…The barriers to providing or receiving treatment for FA identified during phase 2a and 2b included lack of resources, limited structure and need for ongoing follow-up and support between sessions as well as the reported negatives of using telehealth such as increased nervousness due to lack of technology skills. However, given the many positive applications of using telehealth including increased access and reach of services47 48 particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic where social distancing restrictions were imposed, the IKT research group addressed these issues through the development of various resources including telehealth and participant handouts, participant workbook, facilitator manual and a closed Facebook support group post intervention.…”

“…The research advisory group met on two separate occasions via virtual workshops in October 2020 (six participants) and November 2020 (eight participants), each lasting 2 hours. The purpose of these workshops was to review updated programme content based on previous process evaluation 47 and feasibility trial. 40 More specifically, the workshops determined four factors necessary to ensure adherence to an IKT approach in relation to the development of an intervention.…”

“… 40 The unique approach of personalised feedback on personality profiles has been found to effectively target modifiable risk factors associated with the development of substance-use disorders 41 42 and shown to be an economically viable alternative to face-to-face models of care. 43 44 Telehealth may also help address barriers such as stigma and increased levels of anxiety that may be associated with appointments and FA, 45 46 allow more individuals to access help from their own home and reduce geographical barriers, 47 and facilitate equity in service delivery. 48 …”

Current Intervention Treatments for Food Addiction: A Systematic Review

“…The average retention rate of the included studies at the final follow-up time point was low to moderate at 62.2% (range 30.7–100%), when compared to similar FA weight loss studies where retention rates are usually higher with an average of 88% [ 43 , 44 ]. Similarly, when compared to binge eating disorder and cognitive behavioural therapy modalities for eating disorders, where the reported attrition rates range from 3–41% and 22–27%, respectively [ 45 ], on average, the retention rates of the included studies are lower. Additional results from the review demonstrate that financial incentives and population group may also affect retention rates, with one study reporting 100% follow up when participants were financially incentivised [ 25 ] and three studies reporting low retention rates (less than 50%) for bariatric patients [ 34 , 39 ] and smokers [ 36 ].…”