Initial participant perspectives about participating in an online, semi-supervised, cirrhosis-specific nutrition and...

In chronic diseases, there have been issues with low levels of participant adherence and retention during well-supported lifestyle behaviour change interventional studies. Theoretically informed, the objective was to explore the types of challenges participants are experiencing to inform future designs.

We conducted an exploratory descriptive study in an adult cirrhosis population after the first 4-6 weeks of a 12-week semi-supervised nutrition and exercise online program.

Participants in the parent feasibility study, assessing the nutrition and exercise intervention (Heal-Me), were eligible for this nested study. Heal-Me is a multimodal program that is tailorable to a participant's abilities through regular interaction with the study's registered dietician and exercise specialist. Interviews (~60 min) with participants were recorded then analysed descriptively, guided by the capability, opportunity and motivational behaviour change model.

The 20 participants preferred the expert-led group online nutrition and exercise classes over independent activities such as protein tracking and the exercise videos. Social gamification (e.g., weekly polls on favourite things like movies or sports teams) contributed to the group experience. All except one person required program tailoring to address preferences, abilities and new onset health events. Findings led to the inclusion of 4 behaviour change techniques to the initial 17, whereas 2 others were expanded.

While program tailoring, awareness of cirrhosis nutrition and regular interactions with staff influenced participant retention and adherence in the first 4-6 weeks of the online program.