A theory-informed approach to developing visually mediated interventions to change behaviour using an asthma and...

Area of Science:

• Health Behavior Change
• Digital Health Interventions
• Pediatric Asthma Management

Background:

• Healthcare interventions often lack theoretical grounding, hindering their effectiveness and evaluation.
• Visually mediated behavioral interventions require a coherent rationale and explicit targeting of mechanisms.
• This study addresses the need for theory-informed visual interventions in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the theoretical development, deployment, and pilot evaluation of a visually mediated behavioral intervention.
• To increase physical activity among young people with asthma using a novel approach.
• To present a framework for developing theory-informed, visually mediated interventions.

Main Methods:

• Employed a five-stage development model with user group consultation.
• Utilized in-depth interviews, focus groups, and an online experiment for development and testing.
• Involved 91 participants: young people with asthma, parents, teachers, and health professionals.

Main Results:

• Developed a two-component intervention: 3D computer animation and an action plan.
• The intervention was highly acceptable, engaging, and meaningful to all stakeholders.
• Participants reported improved asthma understanding and stronger intentions to be active.

Conclusions:

• Theory-based visually mediated behavioral interventions can be successfully developed.
• Visual ambiguity and visual literacy among patients require careful consideration.
• A revised five-stage model can guide the development, acceptability, and effectiveness of such interventions.