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Feasibility of a Digital Intervention to Promote Healthy Weight Management among Postpartum African American/Black Women

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  • Melissa A. Napolitano

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
    Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

  • Cherise B. Harrington

    (Department of Public Health Education, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA)

  • Loral Patchen

    (Women’s and Infants’ Services, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA)

  • Lindsey P. Ellis

    (Women’s and Infants’ Services, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA)

  • Tony Ma

    (Benten Technologies, Manassas, VA 20110, USA)

  • Katie Chang

    (Benten Technologies, Manassas, VA 20110, USA)

  • Azar Gaminian

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

  • Caitlin P. Bailey

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

  • W. Douglas Evans

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
    Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

Abstract

The study aim was to implement and evaluate the feasibility of a culturally informed (“BeFAB”) app for African American/Black women to address postpartum weight. Women ( n = 136; mean age = 27.8 ± 5.4; mean BMI = 32.5 ± 4.3) were recruited from postpartum units, and randomly assigned to receive BeFAB ( n = 65) or usual care ( n = 71) for 12 weeks. App content included didactic lessons delivered via a virtual coach, app-based messages, goal setting and tracking, and edutainment videos. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention and engagement, and self-reported acceptability. Behavioral (i.e., diet, physical activity), psychosocial (i.e., stress, coping, support, self-efficacy) and weight outcomes were also examined. Recruitment goals were met, but attrition was high, with 56% retention at 12 weeks. Approximately half of participants accessed the app and set a goal ≥one time, but <10% reported achieving a nutrition or activity goal. Among study completers, ≥60% found the app content at least somewhat helpful. Within-group changes for BeFAB among completers were found for increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and decreased fruit/vegetable intake and weight. Findings indicate initial feasibility of recruiting postpartum women to participate in a digital healthy body weight program but limited use, reflecting low acceptability and challenges in engagement and retention. Future research is needed on strategies to engage and retain participants in postpartum interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Melissa A. Napolitano & Cherise B. Harrington & Loral Patchen & Lindsey P. Ellis & Tony Ma & Katie Chang & Azar Gaminian & Caitlin P. Bailey & W. Douglas Evans, 2021. "Feasibility of a Digital Intervention to Promote Healthy Weight Management among Postpartum African American/Black Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2178-:d:504291
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. W. Douglas Evans & Bonnie N Young & Michael A Johnson & Kirstie A. Jagoe & Dana Charron & Madeleine Rossanese & K Lloyd Morgan & Patricia Gichinga & Julie Ipe, 2019. "The Shamba Chef Educational Entertainment Program to Promote Modern Cookstoves in Kenya: Outcomes and Dose–Response Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Loral Patchen & Asli McCullers & Serenity G. Budd & H. Joseph Blumenthal & W. Douglas Evans, 2024. "Protocol for Evaluating Remote Patient Blood Pressure Monitoring Adapted to Black Women and Birthing Persons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-12, May.

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