Web-Based Lifestyle Interventions for Survivors of Cancer: Usability Study

Abstract

Background Internet-based lifestyle programs are increasingly being used to deliver health behavior change interventions to survivors of cancer. However, little is known about website use in this population or its association with healthy lifestyle changes. Objective The aim of this study is to describe lifestyle intervention website use (log-ins, time on website, and page views) among survivors of cancer and patterns of use by participant characteristics. In addition, associations were explored between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge and practice. Methods A total of 35 survivors of cancer were recruited between August 2017 and 2018 to participate in a 2-week, single-arm pilot test of the SurvivorSHINE lifestyle intervention website. Knowledge and practices related to healthy diet and physical activity behaviors were measured at baseline and follow-up. Website use (eg, time spent on the website, frequency of log-ins, and page views) were collected from the SurvivorSHINE administrative site during the intervention period. Patterns of use were examined by participants’ gender and race. Correlations between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge, physical activity, diet, and weight were explored. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare demographic factors on website use. Results Participants logged into the SurvivorSHINE intervention website an average of 3.2 (SD 2) times over the 2-week period and spent a total average of 94 (SD 56) minutes viewing the website during the intervention. Examining website activity, 1905 page views were logged. The User Profile (344 page views) and Home sections (301 page views) were the most frequently visited components. No associations were observed between the frequency of log-ins or the total time on the website, improvements in knowledge related to healthy lifestyles, or changes in body weight or dietary intake. However, the total time on the website was positively correlated with improvements in accelerometer-measured physical activity (r=0.74; P=.02) and self-reported physical activity (r=0.35; P=.04). Conclusions Survivors of cancer demonstrated clear interest in a diet and exercise intervention website, as evidenced by their frequency of log-ins, page views on numerous features, and total viewing time. Moreover, increased website use was correlated with improvements in physical activity.

Web-based nutrition: a useful resource for cancer patients?

“…Ultimately, 9 studies (31-39) met the inclusion criteria of our review and were subjected to data extraction. (32), Nutrition and Cancer (33), JMIR mHealth and uHealth (34), Journal of Medical Internet Research (35), Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (36), Nutrition (37), JMIR Formative Research (38) and Nutrients (39). All records were written in English.…”

“…Williams et al (38) conducted a single-arm pilot study of the Survivor SHINE lifestyle intervention website and found that increased use of the website correlated with improvements in physical activity. However, there was no association between the frequency of logins or total time on the website and improvements in healthy lifestyle knowledge or changes in body weight or food intake among survivors of cancers with >80% 5-year survival (e.g., breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers).…”

“…In a three-arm study (38), two methods of health care delivered via telephone (synchronous) or via the internet-enabled mobile app "myPace" (random assignment) were directly compared with standard care in people with a recent diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal tract cancer made before the COVID -19 pandemic that triggered the rapid introduction of telehealth services. The findings imply that: (1) quality-adjusted life-years did not differ between the intervention group and the usual care group; (2) intensive nutrition counselling at a distance alone did not lead to adequate nutrition; and (3) service models other than face-to-face care allowed for the initiation of a nutrition intervention and contact with a dietitian at a much earlier stage.…”

“…In summary, two studies (34,38) that investigated muscle wasting in patients with esophageal cancer reached negative conclusions; however, one author (34) suggested that physical activity may improve outcomes. Only one study (33) presented positive results when using the Noon app.…”