A nurse-led lifestyle intervention using mobile application versus booklet for adults with metabolic syndrome-Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Aims To compare the effect of a lifestyle intervention programme using mobile application versus booklet for adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) living in the community. Design A multisite randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms, namely metabolic syndrome app group, booklet group, and control group. Methods The research study has been supported by the Health and Medical Research fund in Hong Kong in 2019. The protocol was approved by the study university and the selected community centres. Three hundred and sixty subjects will be recruited from community centres and randomized into either one arm. Inclusion criteria are those adult with MetS, able to use a smart phone. All participants received a 30-min health educational session. App group participants will receive a mobile application while booklet group participants will receive a specific booklet of MetS care and the control group receive a placebo booklet only. The primary outcomes comprises of body weight. The secondary outcomes include total physical exercise, cardiometablolic risk factors, cardiovascular endurance, self-efficacy for exercise, and stress level. Data will be collected at baseline, weeks 4, 12, and 24. SPSS and generalized estimating equations model will be employed for data analysis. Discussion Metabolic syndrome is a common health problem associated with the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and the risks are potentially amenable to lifestyle intervention. The results will compare the relative effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention using an app versus a booklet on physical and psychological outcomes for adults with MetS. Impact What problem will the study address? The results will inform the healthcare professional and nurses about the effective way for health promotion, to enhance patient's lifestyle modification and exercise sustainability that will be beneficial to the clients' health.