The Social Pounds Off Digitally (Social POD) Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Smartphones have the capability to monitor health-related behaviors (exercise, diet, etc.) and provide social support which has the potential to play a powerful role in health promotion. The objective of this study is to refine and pilot test the Social POD app for personalized health monitoring and interaction founded on a combination of social networks, recommender systems, motivational research, and health behavior theory. The aim of our proposed project is to conduct a 3-month pilot RCT among overweight and obese adults (N=150) comparing a theory-based podcast (TBP) plus self-monitoring using a commercially-available calorie and weight tracking app (current most popular diet self-monitoring method) versus TBP plus self-monitoring and social support/incentive points for participating with the Social POD app (TBP+Social POD).

Detailed Description
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Objectives and Significance. Smartphones have the capability to monitor health-related behaviors (exercise, diet, etc.) and provide social support which has the potential to play a powerful role in health promotion. The objective of this study is to refine and pilot test the Social POD app for personalized health monitoring and interaction founded on a combination of social networks, recommender systems, motivational research, and health behavior theory. Currently, we are recruiting for usability testing among obese and overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2) adults (n=20) with our basic Social POD app. Our proposed project, which seeks to supplement our current line of research investigating mHealth interventions for overweight and obese adults, has two aims: Aim 1: Refine our intelligent social agent mobile app (Social POD) based on results from our usability testing and develop new components (i.e., incentive system) for use in a 3-month randomized controlled pilot trial (RCT). Aim 2: Conduct a 3-month pilot RCT among overweight and obese adults (N=150) comparing a theory-based podcast (TBP) plus self-monitoring using a commercially-available calorie and weight tracking app (current most popular diet self-monitoring method)9 versus TBP plus self-monitoring and social support/incentive points for participating with the Social POD app (TBP+Social POD). Once the final intervention is developed through Aim 1 including the incentive system, we will recruit 150 overweight adult Android smartphone owners (BMI 25-49.9 kg/m2; age 18-65; >30% AA) to participate in a 3-month pilot of our enhanced intervention. Detecting differences in weight among the two groups is our primary research goal.

Official Title
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Refining and Pilot Testing Social Networks for Encouraging Healthy Behaviors: The Social Pounds Off Digitally (Social POD) Study

Conditions
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Obesity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Podcast + mobile diet app
* Behavioral: Podcast + theory-based mobile diet app


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Overweight or obese (Body Mass Index between 25 and 49.9 kg/m2) Own and Android phone or tablet Exclusion Criteria: are currently pregnant are younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age are unable to attend 3 meetings at the University of South Carolina don't have access to the Internet and a computer don't have access to a scale for self-monitoring weight aren't willing to be randomized to one of the two groups have a psychiatric disease, drug or alcohol dependency, or uncontrolled thyroid condition have a major health condition, such as heart conditions, diabetes, and past incidence of stroke have an eating disorder currently participating in a weight loss program or taking weight loss medications

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Theory-based podcast<br>Receive a 3-month weight loss intervention delivered via theory-based podcast (TBP) plus self-monitoring using a commercially-available calorie and weight tracking app (current most popular diet self-monitoring method). Intervention: podcast + mobile diet app | Behavioral: Podcast + mobile diet app<br>* Use of a mobile app to track behaviors related to weight loss as well as receive study-related weight loss information via podcast.<br>|
| Experimental: Theory-based podcast + Social POD<br>Receive a 3-month weight loss intervention delivered via Theory-based Podcast (TBP) plus self-monitoring and social support/incentive points for participating with the Social POD app (TBP+Social POD). Intervention: podcast + theory-based mobile diet app | Behavioral: Podcast + theory-based mobile diet app<br>* Use of a theory-based mobile app to track behaviors related to weight loss as well as receive study-related weight loss information via podcast.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight loss |  | 12 weeks |