Mobile App-Based Lifestyle Coaching Intervention for Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Lifestyle modification is crucial for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can provide effective support for patient self-management.
• This study explores the potential of mHealth in NAFLD care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mobile app-based lifestyle coaching intervention for NAFLD patients.
• To evaluate the impact of this intervention on physiological and psychological health outcomes over six months.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 102 NAFLD patients.
• The intervention group received personalized lifestyle coaching via a mobile app, including education, self-monitoring, and SMS coaching.
• Outcomes included physiological markers (weight, liver fat score, liver enzymes) and psychological measures (self-management, fatigue, depression, quality of life).

Main Results:

• The mobile app intervention significantly improved weight, liver fat score, liver enzymes, self-management, fatigue, depression, and quality of life within the intervention group.
• Significant between-group differences favoring the intervention were observed for self-management, knowledge, fatigue, depression, and quality of life.
• The intervention demonstrated significant effectiveness for self-management and fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Mobile app-based nonpharmacological interventions show potential for improving NAFLD patient outcomes.
• This digital health strategy may enhance both physical and mental well-being in individuals with NAFLD.