Application Usability, Engagement, and Postpartum Weight Retention: Secondary Analysis of the INTER-ACT Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is a common concern postpartum.
• Mobile health (mHealth) applications are increasingly used to support postpartum weight loss.
• Understanding factors influencing the effectiveness of mHealth tools is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the perceived usability of the INTER-ACT application affects postpartum weight loss.
• To determine if this effect is mediated by application usage, motivational influence, and lifestyle adherence.
• To explore the relationship between usability, engagement, and emotional responses.

Main Methods:

• A secondary analysis of 138 participants from the INTER-ACT intervention arm was conducted.
• Data were collected via a process evaluation survey at 6 months postpartum.
• Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and parallel mediation analyses, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

• Moderate application usability (System Usability Scale mean=60.6) correlated positively with app use, motivation, and lifestyle adherence.
• Application usability did not show a significant direct or indirect effect on postpartum weight loss.
• Higher gestational weight gain was the sole significant predictor of postpartum weight outcomes.

Conclusions:

• While INTER-ACT application usability enhances user engagement and emotional experience, it does not directly lead to reduced postpartum weight.
• Gestational weight gain remains the most critical factor for postpartum weight management.
• Future strategies should focus on preventing excessive GWG and integrating emotionally supportive mHealth tools.