Feasibility of a Digital Intervention to Promote Healthy Weight Management among Postpartum African American/Black Women
Type: Research paper
The study’s 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 edutain- ment 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 at-tuition was high, with 56% retention at 12 weeks. Approximately half of the 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 Be- FAB among completers were found for increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and de- creased fruit/vegetable intake and weight. Findings indicate the initial feasibility of recruiting post par- tum 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.