Acceptability of a Self-Guided Lifestyle Intervention Among Young Men: Mixed Methods Analysis of Pilot Findings

Abstract

BackgroundYoung men are vastly underrepresented in lifestyle interventions, suggesting a need to develop appealing yet effective interventions for this population. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the acceptability of a self-guided lifestyle intervention designed specifically for young men (age: 18-35 years old). MethodsSemistructured interviews and surveys were completed by 14 men following completion of a remotely delivered, 12-week lifestyle intervention. The intervention included 1 virtual group session, digital tools, access to self-paced web- and mobile-based content, and 12 weekly health risk text messages. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined young men’s experiences with the intervention components of a remotely delivered, self-guided lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss. Data were integrated using convergent mixed methods analysis. ResultsMen were a mean age of 29.9 (SD 4.9) years with a mean BMI of 31.0 (SD 4.5) kg/m2. The self-guided aspect was not acceptable, and a majority preferred more check-ins. Participants expressed a desire for a social aspect in future lifestyle interventions. All men found the focus on health risks appealing. A majority of men found the study-issued, Bluetooth-enabled scale acceptable. ConclusionsAcceptability of the self-guided lifestyle intervention was perceived as suboptimal by young men. The findings highlight the need to add intervention components that sustain motivation and provide additional social support for young men. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04267263; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04267263