Acceptability of digitally adapted cardiovascular risk reduction intervention content from the StrongPeople strong...

Adapting Evidence Based Interventions (EBIs) for digital delivery can increase reach to additional populations and address barriers to engaging in traditional in-person programs. This mixed-methods study assessed the acceptability of a selection of digitally adapted content from StrongPeople Strong Hearts, an evidence-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention program for women.

Eighteen women (mean age = 57.6 ±11.1, age range 37-74, 66.7% non-Hispanic White) were enrolled in a 4-week single-arm pilot study where adapted content was delivered through a private Facebook group. Mixed-method approaches assessed the acceptability of this abbreviated digital program. Participants completed feedback surveys (n=15) and focus groups (n=7) at the end of the study period.

Participants reported enjoying their overall experience with the adapted content (average score of 4.71 ± 0.59 out of 5) and reported learning new or valuable information (average score of 4.64 ± 0.61 out of 5). Analysis of focus groups revealed that participants (1) appreciated the variety of content, which provided flexibility for program engagement; (2) enjoyed shorter nutrition videos but preferred longer exercise videos; (3) desired more external motivation from the program; and (4) desired further support with food portions and tracking.

This study supports the acceptability of StrongPeople Strong Hearts content adapted for digital delivery. Findings are comparable to the acceptability of the original program but highlight distinct challenges in transitioning some elements from an in-person to digital format. To address these needs, the complete digital adaptation of the program will continue to deliver a variety of content to allow for flexible engagement. Furthermore, additional content will consider the appropriate length and include more about food portions. Additional external motivators, such as a badge system and goal check-ins, will be integrated into the full program.