Understanding Engagement With A Web-Based Diet And Exercise Program For Older Cancer Survivors

Authors

• Aurora Tafili, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Advisor(s)

Nataliya Ivankova

Committee Member(s)

Hanadi Hamadi
Larry Hearld
Laura Rogers
Nataliya Ivankova
Soumya Niranjan

School

School of Health Professions

Document Type

Dissertation

Department (new version)

Administration/Health Services

Date of Award

9-9-2024

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to develop an understanding of engagement with a web-based diet and exercise program. The three objectives of this dissertation include: (1) determining what theoretical underpinnings technology-based health behavior change interventions are utilizing and applying; (2) developing an understanding of older cancer survivors’ process of engagement with a web-based diet and exercise intervention through the utilization of a mixed methods grounded theory approach; and (3) identify what evidence-based strategies to promote engagement can be devised and dissemination based on process of engagement identified. Three methodologies were utilized to conduct this dissertation: (1) a systematic review process of three databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and PsychINFO) was undertaken to determine theories, models, and frameworks being used in health behavior change interventions; (2) a mixed method grounded theory was applied toward understanding engagement; and (3) a qualitative thematic analysis of AMPLIFY participant interviews was used to inform strategies that promote engagement. Results from the systematic review included 25 articles and identified that a variety of theories, models, and frameworks were being utilized, with a common one being Social Cognitive Theory, but that only two articles applied a theory, model, or framework toward measuring their participants’ engagement. Results from the mixed methods grounded theory produced a conceptual model and corresponding propositions of older cancer survivors’ engagement with a web-based healthy lifestyle intervention. Finally, results from thematic coding analysis were used and propositions from paper 2 were applied to inform pragmatic strategies to promote participant engagement, and these were mapped to Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework elements to promote the dissemination of these strategies.

ProQuest ID

https://proquest.com/docview/3101855692