How Users Experience and Use an eHealth Intervention Based on Self-Regulation: Mixed-Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Behavioral science
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• eHealth interventions are more effective when grounded in behavioral change theories like self-regulation.
• Existing theories guide technique selection but not engaging implementation in web-based platforms.
• High attrition rates in eHealth necessitate understanding user experiences with behavior change techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate user experiences with self-regulation techniques in a web-based intervention.
• To target physical activity and sedentary behavior in the general population.

Main Methods:

• A 5-week intervention study with 20 general population adults.
• Exploration of user website data and semistructured interviews.
• Directed content analysis using NVivo software.

Main Results:

• Users appreciated "providing feedback on performance," "action planning," and "prompting review of behavioral goals."
• Implementation of "barrier identification/problem solving" frustrated users, leading to poor quality coping plans.
• Users were aware of health benefits but appreciated reminders; self-monitoring prompts were insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Iterative user involvement is key to optimizing behavior change technique implementation.
• Recommendations include short, straightforward interventions supporting plan creation and evaluation.