Navigating digital behavior change: a mixed-method examining the expert perspectives for cancer survivors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Rising cancer incidence necessitates optimized interventions for healthy lifestyles.
• Digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) offer a promising avenue for cancer survivors.
• Understanding medical expert perspectives is crucial for DBCI implementation in Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Iranian medical experts' experiences with DBCIs for cancer survivors.
• To assess the acceptability and feasibility of DBCIs in the Iranian context.
• To identify potential benefits and barriers associated with DBCIs for cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Quantitative phase: Standardized questionnaire administered to 30 medical and psychology experts.
• Qualitative phase: Semi-structured interviews conducted with 23 experts.

Main Results:

• Experts broadly agreed on the feasibility of DBCIs for supporting healthy lifestyles.
• Minimal concerns noted if DBCIs provide evidence-based information, integrate feedback, and ensure confidentiality.
• Essential features identified: user-friendliness, simple language, motivational design, trustworthiness, and cultural adaptability.

Conclusions:

• DBCIs are generally acceptable to Iranian medical experts, with potential enablers and barriers to consider.
• DBCIs show promise for improving lifestyle behaviors among cancer survivors in underrepresented settings like Iran.
• Study provides insights into features and barriers to enhance DBCI acceptance and utilization for cancer survivors.