Lifestyle counselling by persuasive information and communications technology reduces prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a dose–response manner: a randomized clinical trial (PrevMetSyn). (17th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seo, Young-Gyun; Salonurmi, Tuire; Jokelainen, Terhi; Karppinen, Pasi; Teeriniemi, Anna-Maria; Han, Junhee; Park, Kyung Hee; Oinas-Kukkonen, Harri; Savolainen, Markku J.
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine. Volume 52:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 321
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2020-08-17
• Subjects: Metabolic syndrome -- obesity -- lifestyle -- information and communication technology -- behaviour change support system -- persuasive systems design; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2020.1783455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0785-3890

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim was to investigate whether lifestyle changes produced by persuasive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) counselling can lower the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A total of 532 participants (20–60 years, body mass index 27–35 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to six arms according to counselling type (no, short-term, or intensive) with or without ICT intervention. In this report the prevalence of MetS and its components were compared between no-ICT group and ICT group. Moreover, the frequency of the web information system usage was analysed for the number of logins, responses to weekly messages, and other record variables. Results: The ICT group had significantly lower proportion of MetS (33.7% vs. 45.3%, p = .022) than the no-ICT group at 2-year follow-up. In mixed model, the ICT group had lower prevalence of MetS than no-ICT group (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.27–0.90) after intervention. The tertile with the highest utilization had 71% lower prevalence of MetS compared with the lowest utilization tertile or the no-ICT group. Conclusions: Web-based ICT is able to reduce the prevalence of MetS. In addition, higher utilization of the web information system is associated with a greater decrease in the prevalence of MetS. Key messages: Our internet health behaviour change support system based on persuasive design and cognitive behaviour therapy markedly reduces metabolic syndrome in overweight/obese subjects. As a stand-alone tool it may save healthcare personnel resources as it is suitable at a low cost for both obese/overweight patients and the public at large.