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- Usability of an internet-based platform (Next.Step) for adolescent weight managementPublication . Sousa, Pedro Miguel Lopes; Fonseca, Helena; Gaspar, Pedro; Gaspar, FilomenaObjective The current study evaluates the usability perception of an e-therapeutic platform (supported by electronic processes and communication), aiming to promote the behavior change and to improve the adolescent health status through increased and interactive contact between the adolescent and the clinical staff. Methods This was a correlational study with a sample of 48 adolescents (12-18 years) who attended a Pediatric Obesity Clinic between January and August of 2012. Participants were invited to access, during 24 weeks, the e-therapeutic multidisciplinary platform (Next.Step) in addition to the standard treatment program. A usability questionnaire was administered and the platform performance and utilization indicators were analyzed. Results The users’ perception of satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness regarding the Next.Step platform was clearly positive. However, only 54.17% of the enrolled adolescents accessed the platform, with a mean task-completion rate of 14.55% (SD = 18.853). The higher the number of the platform consulted resources, the greater the tendency to enjoy the platform, to consider it exciting and quick, to consider that the time spent in it was useful, to consider the access to information easy, and to login easier. Post-intervention assessment revealed a significant reduction in anthropometric and behavioral variables, including body mass index z-score, waist circumference percentile, hip circumference, and weekly screen time. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of information and communication technologies in the health information access and the healthcare provision. Despite the limited adherence rate, platform users expressed a positive overall perception of its usability and presented a positive anthropometric and behavioral progress.
- Internet-based intervention programme for obese adolescents and their families (Next.Step): research protocol of a controlled trialPublication . Sousa, Pedro Miguel Lopes; Fonseca, Helena; Gaspar, Pedro; Gaspar, FilomenaAim This paper describes the design and rationale of a controlled trial that aims to determine the effectiveness of an intervention programme in which the internet is used. Background Adolescent obesity is a major health problem, there being urgency to find effective interventions that induce behavioural change. The inclusion of the internet in the intervention may improve adolescents' adherence to the weight management programme and lead to adoption of healthier lifestyles. Design A clinical trial with a control group (non‐randomized). Methods Participants are adolescents with appointments at a paediatric obesity clinic (Portugal). Sample size was calculated according to the power analysis. The experimental group will follow the standard treatment protocol and receive free access to the e‐therapeutic platform. The control group will follow the standard treatment protocol and join a waiting list. Intervention length will be 36 weeks (24 weeks of direct intervention with a follow‐up for 12 weeks). This study was approved by the Ethical Committee for Health (Lisbon, Portugal) in January 2012 and funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal) in December 2012. Discussion The results of this research will promote reflection on new approaches directed to treat adolescent obesity and on the promotion of healthy behaviours. We expect to gather empirical evidence of the intervention programme effectiveness. The expectations lie on the population health gains, empowerment in decision‐making and adoption of healthier lifestyles.
- Lifestyle and treatment adherence among overweight adolescentsPublication . Sousa, Pedro Miguel Lopes; Gaspar, Pedro; Fonseca, Helena; Gaspar, FilomenaThis study evaluated the influence of overweight adolescents' lifestyle on the adherence to weight control, and identifies their predictors. Participants were 94 adolescents, aged 12-18 years, attending a Paediatric Obesity Clinic. Lifestyle was assessed using the "Adolescent Lifestyle Profile" and treatment adherence through the "Therapeutic Adherence to Weight Control Questionnaire." Adherence to weight control was associated with various lifestyle domains. Several predictors were identified for lifestyle and adherence to weight control among overweight adolescents. A broad array of inter-correlations and predictors were identified and should be taken into account when designing adolescent weight control interventions.
- Association between treatment adherence and quality of life among overweight adolescentsPublication . Sousa, Pedro Miguel Lopes; Gaspar, Pedro; Fonseca, Helena; Gaspar, FilomenaOverweight is an extra burden for adolescent development and can trigger severe physical and psychosocial problems. This cross-sectional correlational study aimed to analyze the association between treatment adherence and obesity-related quality of life among overweight adolescents. The sample consisted of 94 adolescents attending a specialized Pediatric Obesity Clinic in Portugal, 48.94% of whom were boys and 51.06% girls, with a median age of 14.17 years (SD = 1.51). A positive correlation was found between obesity-related quality of life and adherence to weight control. The influence of parents and caregivers on the adherence to weight control is significantly associated with increased physical comfort, better social life and family relations. These results highlight the importance of behavioral change and adherence to weight control as pillars of a better quality of life among overweight adolescents. Obesity management programs need to focus on multiple criteria of treatment effectiveness, such as obesity-related quality of life.