Mobile Health-Based Health Literacy Weight Management Intervention Using Smart Devices for Adolescents: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a mobile health-based health literacy weight management intervention program for adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, a convergent mixed-method design was used. The "GO! GO! Smart Healthy" intervention development engaged multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, utilizing mobile health applications and smartwatches. Participants provided data on weight management, dietary habits, and health literacy via an mHealth app, while smartwatches collected objective information on physical activity and sleep. The 12-week pilot study was conducted from March to September 2021. It evaluated the program's feasibility, employing both quantitative and thematic analyses of focus group discussions for a comprehensive assessment. Of the 27 participants, 44.4% were overweight or obese, with insufficient physical activity reported. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: empowerment, self-awareness and self-regulation, and self-comparison and reflection. Adolescents engaged with smartwatches, demonstrated increased awareness, altruistic behavior, and satisfaction. After integrating mixed-method data, revisions ensured the program's alignment with participants' preferences. Despite pandemic disruptions, mHealth apps ensured uninterrupted research, showcasing technology's evolving role in healthcare and education. Iterative feedback with participants ensured program suitability, fostering effectiveness.Trial Registration: : NCT04759716