The Development of an Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Adults Diagnosed with Asthma

Tyson, Leanne (2023) The Development of an Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Adults Diagnosed with Asthma. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Asthma is a major non-communicable disease, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Despite the availability of effective medication, asthma remains poorly controlled in numerous patients. Physical activity could be an important non-pharmacological approach to optimising asthma management. There is a need to develop interventions that promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in adults diagnosed with asthma. Mobile health (mHealth) technology has been highlighted as a way of increasing the number of patients who can receive help and support. Therefore, the overall aim of this project was to develop an mHealth intervention, specifically a smartphone app, to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in adults diagnosed with asthma.

The development process was conducted via a series of studies. Firstly, a systematic review of existing interventions, which were found to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviour, and improve quality of life and asthma symptoms. Secondly, qualitative research explored the perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity. Beliefs about consequences, limited physical capabilities and reluctance to engage in group-based activities were identified as barriers. Social support and the desire to be healthy were identified as facilitators. Thirdly, further qualitative research identified the ideas and preferences of the target end-users for the intervention. Participants found smartphone apps acceptable and identified several important components for inclusion. Lastly, using a systematic approach, the findings were drawn together using the Behaviour Change Wheel to develop a fully
specified intervention on paper.

This thesis follows the first step in the NIHR-MRC guidance for the development of complex interventions. Further qualitative research with stakeholders will be needed to refine the intervention and understand how it could be implemented in healthcare services. Once a prototype of the smartphone app has been developed, the next stage would be to conduct some early-user testing before a feasibility study.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	07 Dec 2023 09:31
Last Modified:	07 Dec 2023 09:31
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/93907
DOI:

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