HelpMeDoIt! Stage 2 - a web, app and text based intervention.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
‘Helpmedoit!’ a web, app and text based intervention to facilitate social support to achieve and maintain health related change in physical activity and dietary behaviour.
IRAS ID
192529
Contact name
Sharon A Simpson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Coordinator, R&D Management Office, Clinical Research & Development
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN85615983
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
15/WS/0288, West of Scotland REC 5
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: The internet can be effective in influencing behaviour and can reach large numbers of people. Previous research shows that setting goals and monitoring how well you are doing is important to facilitate behaviour change. The support of family and friends is also crucial in helping people achieve and sustain healthier lifestyles.
AIM: To deliver a weight loss intervention via smartphone app, website and text message. We aim to explore how this intervention supports individuals to set goals, monitor their progress and enlist social support from their social circle to help them achieve lifestyle goals in relation to weight loss.
DESIGN: Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group will complete the HelpMeDoIt! intervention for 6 months and the control group will receive a leaflet on healthy diet and lifestyle. The HelpMeDoIt! intervention will be guided by evidence-based information delivered via the smartphone app, website and text message. The control group will have access to the software once the final follow-up is complete.
POPULATION: 120 adults aged 18-70yrs whose BMI is 30 or over and who are trying to lose weight.
OUTCOME MEASURES: At baseline and 12 month follow-up we will measure lifestyle change (via physical activity and diet), change in health measures (via weight, waist and hip circumference, and health related quality of life), and change in other factors (including social support, self-efficacy and motivation). Up to 30 participants and 20 helpers will be interviewed about their experience of the intervention at 6 months and up to 20 participants at 12 months. We will also assess value for money to help inform the design of a future trial.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
15/WS/0288
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion