User-centered process evaluations of web-based diet and exercise interventions for middle-aged and older adults...

This systematic review supported development of a conceptual framework for user-centered process evaluations of web-based diet and exercise programs for older adults with chronic disease.

Four databases were utilized: PubMed, Embase, Business Source Premier, and ABI/Inform. Primary search terms were created by pairing the phrase process evaluation with one of the following terms: diet, nutrition, exercise, or physical activity. Primary terms were coupled with secondary terms, including: web-based, web-enabled, and virtual.

Of 460 abstracts screened, 11 articles were retained for synthesis. Within retained articles, 10 constructs were presented in two or more evaluations: satisfaction, engagement, use, usefulness, adherence, implementation, acceptability, motivation, reach, and recruitment. Of these constructs, 8 (80%) were explored using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

The resulting framework supports user-centered evaluations; whereby, integration of quantitative and qualitative participant feedback is central to process evaluations of web-based programs tailored for older adults.