Technological support tools for pediatric obesity self-management: A user-centered design approach for overweight and obese adolescents age 12 -- 17 years

Background: Multiple levels of influence from the socio-ecological model that fit within the context of the Chronic Care Model are thought to contribute to the increased prevalence of adolescent obesity. In adults, consumer health technologies (CHT) have been shown to be effective for self-management of behaviors that contribute to obesity. Although adolescents are heavy users of technology, research of use of CHT for obesity management in adolescent populations is lacking.;Objective: The overall objective of this study was to conduct formative research in order to lay the groundwork for the development of a user-centered design (UCD) application to provide self-management support for meeting evidence-based weight management recommendations for overweight and obese adolescents currently receiving a supervised weight management intervention.;Methods: Focus groups with overweight and obese adolescents and in-depth interviews with pediatricians and parents of overweight and obese adolescents were utilized as part of a user-centered design approach for the development of adolescent obesity CHT applications. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was applied to interview guides as one method of determining intent to use UCD applications among the three different potential user groups.;Results: Adolescents, parents, and pediatricians expressed intent to co-use CHT applications. Use of CHT for self-monitoring of food and exercise behaviors was viewed as useful for adolescent weight management by all three groups. The ability to engage in social networking, learn how to cook, and receive guidance on restaurant menu selection were additional features of CHT applications perceived to be useful by parents and adolescents.;Conclusions: CHT tools for adolescent obesity self-management may help close identified gaps in ongoing treatment for obesity, but various components of the CCM need to be strengthened for CHT to be effective. Parents and pediatricians have important, independent roles as change agents for adolescent obesity.